The Story The Story presents: Planet Hope - Omacha, ‘the dolphin who became a man’
Sep 19, 2025
Fernando Trujillo, known as Omacha, is a dedicated marine biologist and founder of the Omacha Foundation, famous for his three-decade commitment to protecting pink river dolphins in the Amazon. He shares insights on the ecological significance of these dolphins and the cultural conflicts they face. Topics include community-driven conservation efforts, innovative monitoring techniques like satellite tagging and drone assessments, and the essential role of the Amazon in global biodiversity. His work highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable solutions.
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Align Conservation With Local Livelihoods
- Work with local communities and align conservation with their livelihoods by training fishers for dolphin-watching tourism.
- Offer alternative incomes so locals earn more from tourism than harmful fishing practices.
Mercury Testing Triggered Backlash
- Fernando described a crisis where dolphins were killed for bait and he tested the scavenger fish for mercury.
- His findings led governments to ban the fish, but made him a target and required temporary bodyguard protection.
Sex Differences Reveal Habitat Needs
- Tagging and telemetry revealed females stay local while males travel hundreds of kilometres for mating or food.
- These movement patterns help identify critical habitats for protection and management.