The Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project (MDCP) was initiated in January 2001 by Isabel Beasley as part of her PhD with James Cook University, Australia..  The project focuses on research and conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin population which inhabits the Mekong River of southern Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

The total Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin population is currently estimated at fewer than 170 individuals and their continued survival in the river is highly uncertain.  The population is now thought to be restricted to a 190 km river section in the upper Cambodian Mekong River (including southern Laos).

Research conducted on the mekong dolphin population has provided important information related to abundance, critical habitats and mortality rates and causes.

The local public and political will to conserve Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin population is considerable.  James Cook University, in partnership with the Cambodian Department of Fisheries are working to raise education and awareness about Irrawaddy dolphins and develop local level conservation and management initiatives.

Recent collaboration with a local NGO in Cambodia, the Cambodian Rural Development Team, has initiated a new and exciting project called "Dolphins for Development", to provide rural development (e.g. toilets, access to freshwater and diversification of local livelihoods) in exchange for increased local co-operation with conservation activities.