Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins Make a Comeback in Hong Kong

Rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are making a comeback in the waters of Hong Kong. Scientists report that their numbers have surged in recent weeks, primarily due to a reduction in high-speed ferry traffic stemming from the pandemic’s impact on local transportation.

Over the years, these dolphins, also known as Chinese white dolphins, or pink dolphins, have largely avoided the Pearl River Delta to steer clear of the high-speed ferries that navigate through these waters daily. However, researchers have observed that the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population in the region has increased by 30% over recent months, following the suspension of boat traffic in February.

Dr. Lindsay Porter, a senior research scientist with the University of St Andrews, informed Reuters that these waters, once known as the most congested in Hong Kong, have transformed into a more dolphin-friendly environment due to the pandemic. “I’ve been studying these dolphins since 1993, and I’ve never witnessed such a dramatic change before; the only significant factor is that 200 ferries stopped operating,” she explained.

Dr. Porter collaborates with local conservation groups, including WWF Hong Kong, to conduct thorough research on dolphin populations in the Pearl River Delta. Drones have been deployed to monitor their activities, which include social interactions and playful behaviors, as reported by the Guardian.

According to WWF Hong Kong, there are approximately 2,500 dolphins across the entire delta. Nevertheless, the organization has observed a concerning decline in the number of young dolphins in Hong Kong’s waters. Dr. Porter remarked, “I sometimes feel as though we are witnessing the gradual decline of this population, which is truly disheartening.” The Chinese pink and white dolphins in Hong Kong are particularly susceptible to threats from sewage and chemicals that are regularly discharged into the harbor, in addition to issues such as overfishing and coastal development.

WWF Hong Kong has been advocating for governmental actions to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and to designate a development-free Dolphin Conservation Management Area in the western and southern Lantau waters by 2024. This initiative aims to secure safe feeding and socializing habitats for the pink and white dolphins.

In a statement, the organization emphasized, “These ongoing threats have significantly impacted the population over the years. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a proactive approach to conserve the remaining population of this species before it is too late.”