Scientists welcome the return of the dolphins. According to their counts, 30 percent more pink dolphins have been spotted since March than before. And that is hopeful news, because the survival of the pink dolphin in Hong Kong hung by a thread. In 2019, it was estimated that only 52 were left.
Borders closed
The return is due to the decline in the number of ferries and cargo ships in Hong Kong waters. The city-state has been fighting the corona virus since January and has just had a third wave. In recent months, the borders have been closed and many people have stayed at home. As a result, traffic on the water decreased sharply.
–
–
“Dolphins that we haven’t seen for five or six years are back,” says scientist Lindsay Porter to Reuters news agency. “The water has become much calmer. For the dolphins this means that they can come together in larger groups. This has allowed us to study the social behavior of the Hong Kong dolphins better. Normally this would not be possible.”
Vulnerable species
The pink dolphin (or Chinese white dolphin, as it is also known) is a vulnerable species that did not have an easy time in Hong Kong. Overfishing, pollution and busy shipping all contributed to the decline in the number of dolphins. In addition, the marine mammals also regularly had to deal with construction projects, which only increased the crowds.
For example, a gigantic car bridge was built between Hong Kong and mainland China between 2009 and 2018. This bridge cuts straight through the habitat of the pink dolphins. Currently, there are also plans for a new artificial island off the coast of Lantau, where most of the dolphins live. This would be disastrous for the remaining dolphins, says the local chapter of the World Wildlife Fund. The organization started a petition last year to stop the construction plans, but so far without success.
–
–
With the pandemic, the pink dolphins seem to have been temporarily rested. The question is how long it will last. The number of corona infections in Hong Kong is again declining sharply. That is good news for the people, but less beneficial for the dolphins.
Designate resting places
Both local scientists and conservation groups are therefore calling on the Hong Kong government to take steps right now to protect the dolphins. For example, they want shipping to be restricted and resting places designated for dolphins. This way, the animals can also come together in peace after the corona crisis.
–
–
