Jelajahi Ocean Park.
Ocean Park Corporation, Hong Kong, and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve Management Bureau signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to advance the conservation of the Chinese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis). The Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve is the only national nature reserve established for the Chinese white dolphin. The signing ceremony was held at the Zhuhai base of the national nature reserve as a highlight of the Greater Bay Area Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Campaign.
Listed as a Grade 1 National Key Protected Species of China and rated “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, the Chinese white dolphin is at high risk of extinction in the wild, making their conservation a high priority. This MoU covers the areas of technical exchange, research, conservation fieldwork as well as public engagement and promotion. It was initiated under the framework of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Cooperation Platform jointly established by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve Management Bureau – which was also formalised today.
The cherished emblem of Hong Kong and the Pearl River region
The Chinese white dolphin was first spotted in the Pearl River Estuary as early as the 17th century. According to data monitoring by the AFCD, there are around 2,500 individuals inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, including those frequenting its western waters. However, the Chinese white dolphin is facing multiple threats such as habitat fragmentation, marine pollution (including disease), fishing gear entanglement and heavy marine traffic, raising serious concerns about its long-term survival.
“The Chinese white dolphin is a keystone species and an important symbol of the Pearl River Delta and its marine ecosystems. Ocean Park Hong Kong is honoured to partner with the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve Management Bureau to drive conservation initiatives that help safeguard this iconic species,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation. “We’ll fully utilise our industry-leading technical knowledge and experience in cetacean husbandry and care, breeding, and veterinary science to support the essential planning, rescue operations, scientific research and capacity-building work for addressing critical challenges faced by the Chinese white dolphin.”
In addition, both organisations will showcase the results of their joint efforts and scientific research with a view to raising public awareness and concern for Chinese white dolphin populations. Community engagement and public educational programmes will be rolled out to connect the wider community and foster support.
