The blocking of activities has allowed nature and animals to take back the spaces that man had taken away from them
The rare pink dolphins (Sousa chinensis) return to populate the waters between Hong Kong and Macau after the coronavirus pandemic has stopped ferries. The blocking of activities has allowed nature and animals to take back the spaces that man had taken away from them. It is also happening in the Far East, where these extraordinary dolphins are returning to populate what until a few months ago was one of the busiest sea routes in the world.
Scientists are still concerned about their long-term survival but meanwhile sightings of these creatures are becoming more and more frequent. Naomi Brennan, who deals with the protection of species, told the AFP. Together with others, Brennan patrols the Pearl River Delta to document the presence and health of these mammals, known for their eye-catching pink coloration. When a pink flash appears in the water, Brennan notes its location using a GPS device.
“Today we met three different groups of dolphins: six adults and two younger. They engaged in a variety of behaviors, from eating to traveling and socializing, ”she said.
Unfortunately, in the last 15 years the population of Chinese white dolphins, as they are called, has decreased by 70-80% in what is considered one of the most industrialized foci in the world. But this year their number has started to grow again, most likely due to the pandemic and the business stoppage.
Ferries between Hong Kong and Macau have been suspended since February, giving local marine scientists the opportunity to study how mammals have adapted to "unprecedented quiet".
"We are seeing much larger groups, as well as much more frequent mating and socializing behaviors, which we have not seen in the last five years or so," added Hong Kong scientist Dr. Lindsay Porter.
According to Porter's research team, the number of pink dolphins has increased in those waters by about a third since March.
“These are important areas for nutrition and socialization. So it's great that there is this refuge for them, ”added Brennan, a member of Porter's team.
AFP factfile on Chinese white dolphins, also known as Hong Kong pink dolphins@AFPgraphics pic.twitter.com/FtjdGewbit
- AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 16, 2020
Megacities threaten pink dolphins
The Pearl River Delta is one of the most industrialized coastal areas on Earth. In addition to Hong Kong and Macau, it includes mainland China megacities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan and is home to around 22 million people. Aside from heavy shipping traffic, the dolphin's key habitat has undergone a number of large-scale developments, including the construction of Hong Kong Airport on reclaimed land and the world's longest sea bridge connecting the Macao-Zhuhai financial hub. A new major reclamation project is also underway for the construction of a third runway for the city airport.
Chinese "pink" dolphins: they will disappear due to pollution
According to the WWF, unfortunately there are only about 2.000 pink dolphins in the Pearl River Delta, the minimum number that environmental associations believe necessary to support the species. The fear, well founded, is that they could become extinct. They have slow birth rates, growth and reproduction rates.
“In recent years, the Chinese white dolphin has faced a number of threats: overfishing, water pollution and heavy shipping traffic, along with coastal development. These threats have had an important and cumulative impact on the population for years. A proactive approach must be taken to preserve the remaining population of the species before it is too late, ”explains WWF.
The temporary absence of the ferries has given the animals back the space that had been taken away from them but only for a limited period. Once the traffic and production activities start at full speed, the fate of these creatures seems to be sealed.“I'm an icon of the area. They are part of the Cantonese heritage. I've been here for millennia. It would be a global tragedy to lose this iconic creature from the future of the Greater Bay Area, ”explains WWF.
Sources of reference: Iucn, AFP, AFP / Twitter, WWF
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