Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin found dead in illegal ray net
The tragic discovery was made by a team from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone, during a routine patrol approximately 1.1 nautical miles from the Kuala Kedah estuary at around 11am yesterday.
Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Noor Azreyanti Ishak, said the ray net, with an estimated value of RM2,000, is believed to have been used by irresponsible fishermen.
"Ray nets are among the fishing tools that have been officially banned under the Fisheries Act 1985 due to their non-selective nature. They not only trap rays and juvenile fish, but also pose a serious threat to protected marine species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin," she said in a statement.
The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), also locally known as empesut, is a unique species that is rapidly disappearing across Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia.
The death of even a single individual can have a significant impact on the ecosystem, as the species' current population is extremely small and difficult to track.
Azreyanti said the latest seizure marks the sixth case of illegal ray net confiscation carried out by the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone this year, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts to curb the use of destructive fishing gear that harms marine habitats.
She stressed that the use of ray nets not only affects ray populations—key predators in seabed ecosystems—but also disrupts the overall balance of marine biodiversity.
"If this activity continues unchecked, not only will rays face extinction, but other marine species that rely on this food chain will also be at risk. This is a deeply concerning situation," she said.
She urged the entire fishing community and maritime public to be more aware of the importance of preserving marine biodiversity and to report any illegal fishing activities or suspicious incidents via the emergency line 999 or the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 04-7310579.
"We must act collectively. Every marine life lost due to human greed is a profound loss to nature and future generations.
"This tragedy serves as yet another stark reminder of the fragility of ocean life and the urgent need for firm action and collective awareness to protect it," she said.
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