The friendly Dolphins of Ayeyawaddy

Everyone has to choose appropriate livelihood. It is remarkable to choose profession more suited to ones skill and convenience. Ko Hla Min and his brother Ko Maung Thein are fishermen depending on the Ayeyawaddy River at Hinthagone village in Madaya township, Mandalay Division.According to the villagers, the two brothers are adept fishermen and they can even rally the cooperation of dolphins. Their father handed down to them the technique of fishing including collaboration with the dolphins. Let us have a look at how the two brothers operate fishing and see round the Hinthagone village.

Now, see how the two brothers work. Here is demonstrative casting of the net. The catch is, as you see, small consisting only a variety of small fishes. Next time, the two brothers will cast net in collaboration with the dolphins. See for yourself whether the work is fantastic or not. First, they are going to call the dolphins out. I’ve never seen such a thing; it is really weird, amazingly weird.

The brothers are signalling the dolphins by tapping the side of the canoe with a wooden slat. There, I suppose a dolphin is coming this way. While tapping at the side of the canoe, Ko Maung Thein is also thrusting the paddle three times into the water. Now, a shoal of dolphins is appearing. Let’s hope for a dolphin that knows how to cooperate with the two brothers. Ko Hla Min is tapping the canoe with lead weight to the cast net. There you can see a dolphin blowing up its flippers meaning acknowledgement of the signal.

On seeing the dolphin’s response, Ko Hla Min grabs the net and prepares to cast it. His brother steadies the canoe with the oar. Ko Hla Min is waiting for another signal from the dolphin.

There, the dolphin is giving another signal, beautifully showing up its flippers. Ko Hla Min stands up in the bow, ready for action, biding time. The last signal from the dolphin, the splashing of its flippers on the surface, comes and Ko Hla Min in cast his net. Then Ko Hla Min steadily retrieves it. The dolphins are also surrounding the net. You can see the catch is much more than the previous one.

Let’s look once again at the collaboration of man and dolphins.
The first signal from the dolphin showing up its flippers is acceptance to cooperate. Then the dolphins heard the fish causing towards the canoe. When the school of fish is approaching the canoe, the dolphins give the second signal to the man to be ready. When the school of fish is within range, the dolphin gives the final signal by splashing its flippers so that the fishermen may cast the net. These signals are understanding and attachment between the fishermen and the dolphins. The dolphins catch fish that escape the net. The fishermen need not feed something in return.
Isn’t it fascinating? Not every fisherman is capable of employing the dolphins in his work. There are only five or so in Hinthagone village and three or more in other villages. Ko Hla Min said that the helping dolphin is nicknamed “Bobtanrgma” who can be differentiated by looking at her flippers and head. He has to say---------------. (Ko Hla Min)
Dr. Brian Smith of the United States observed the collaboration of fishermen and Ayeyawaddy dolphins. He has also made interesting remarks. (Dr. Brian)
Fantastic scenario: the tapping of canoe side with wooden stat, splashing of the water with paddle and then tapping canoe with the cast net’s lead-weight to signal the dolphins to cooperate can be seen only along the Ayeyawaddy river. If you have spare time, such a fantastic view can be observed around Sein Pan Gone in Mandalay Division to Shein Magar and Indaung Gwet in Sagaing Division.
You have only seen the documented views. More fantastic and beantiful scenes can be observed in person. You’re welcomed to have a look at friendly Ayeyawaddy dolphins and their great attachment with fishermen. Surely it will be quite a treat.