Chinese White Dolphin Figures Reach All-time Low

The number of Chinese white dolphins in local waters has dropped to a new low, with researchers saying they see little sign of recovery.

The latest figures from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department say just 32 dolphins were spotted between April last year and March – down from the historic low of 47 that was recorded in the previous two years.

The report also expressed concern about the size of dolphin groups, the number of calves, and the mammals' level of socialisation.

Vincent Ho from the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society said they're disappointed but not surprised, as the figures have been declining every year.

“We’re still very sad and disappointed and worry about the future of the dolphins in Hong Kong. Since it’s the historical low for so many years and we still can’t see any sign of recovery in Hong Kong,” he told RTHK’s Richard Pyne.

Ho said water pollution, heavy marine traffic and the construction of the airport’s third runway will continue to threaten the dolphins.

He added that he doesn’t think marine parks set up in a bid to mitigate the environmental impact of infrastructure projects are helpful, noting that no dolphins were spotted in northeast Lantau, years after the Brothers Island marine park was set up.

When asked whether there’s any way to reverse the declining trend, Ho said his organisation has previously suggested moving the high-speed ferry route in south Lantau further south, to avoid the main habitat of the dolphins.

“Personally, I think there may be still some habitats in Hong Kong which are suitable for the dolphins. Maybe some of them can still survive in Hong Kong, but the numbers will be really low. Maybe one day the number is just too low for them to produce the next generation,” he said.

“Maybe one day they will disappear from Hong Kong. That’s possible.”