Chinese white dolphin deaths fall amid Covid-19 pandemic, probably because of halt to Hong Kong-Macau ferries, researcher says

After 15 years of falling Chinese white dolphin numbers in Hong Kong waters, the population rose slightly in 2021 and fewer were found washed up dead

Halting high-speed ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau to curb the spread of coronavirus was a key factor, an expert says. But they face other risks

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Chinese white dolphin numbers in Hong Kong waters have been falling for years, but in 2021 only two were found washed up dead on beaches, probably because Macau ferry services were halted.

Published: 6:15pm, 15 Mar 2022

Hong Kong researchers have some rare good news about Chinese white dolphins and their close relative the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, both listed as vulnerable species.

In 2021 the number of dolphins, porpoises and whales, collectively called cetaceans, found washed up dead on shorelines in Hong Kong in incidents called strandings fell to 32 from 52 the previous year and 55 in 2019, according to the annual Aquatic Animal Virtopsy Lab report released by researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityU).

Of the 2021 incidents, two involved Chinese white dolphins, down from 11 in 2020; most involved Indo-Pacific finless porpoises – 24, compared to 35 in 2020.

At the same time the population of the dolphins in Hong Kong waters rose slightly.

A dead Chinese White dolphin found off Hong Kong’s Lantau Island is examined. Photo: SCMP

A pause in ferry sailings between Hong Kong and Macau because of travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus probably led to the drop in dolphin and porpoise deaths, says Dr Brian Kot Chin-wing, principal investigator at the CityU lab and an assistant professor in its department of infectious diseases and public health.