SQUIDS AND DOLPHINS — A SEASONAL SPECTACLE IN THE ANDAMAN SEA

Marine Ecology | Wildlife Sightings & Conservation

It is the squid blooming season in Langkawi, a time when local fishermen and nature enthusiasts alike turn their eyes to the sea. While this season is a lucrative tradition for the fishing community, the abundance of squid also attracts a much rarer visitor to our northern coast: the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris).

Sightings are most frequent between Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu. These dolphins, found in coastal waters from the Bay of Bengal to New Guinea, are a true marvel to witness. During one of our recent excursions near Tanjung Rhu, we were fortunate enough to encounter a pod of over 60 individuals. The water was stained with black ink—a tell-tale sign of a feeding frenzy as the dolphins outmaneuvered the squids' jet propulsion and defensive ink clouds.

CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Despite their beauty, Irrawaddy Dolphins face significant threats. Indiscriminate fishing practices, particularly the use of deep trawler nets, pose a grave danger as dolphins can become entangled and drown. Currently, the IUCN lists five of the seven subpopulations as critically endangered. Protecting these marine mammals requires a collective effort to ensure sustainable fishing and habitat preservation.

A LEGACY OF COEXISTENCE

History shows us that a harmonious relationship between humans and dolphins is possible. In some fishing communities, dolphins have been known to help drive fish into nets in exchange for a share of the catch—a mutually beneficial partnership based on trust and acoustic signaling. It is this spirit of coexistence that we hope to foster in Langkawi today.

Post By: Nurhidayah Hussien - Daia (Nature Guide)

---

EXPLORE LANGKAWI’S WATERS