Quieter waters allow dolphins in Hong Kong to return

Scientists studying endangered Chinese white dolphins (Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins) in Hong Kong have noticed an increase is sightings after a drop in boat traffic. 

Since the Covid pandemic began there has been a dramatic decline in the number of boats frequenting the waters where the dolphins are found, in particular the fast ferries serving the local islands. Noise pollution and collisions with boats are major threats to the dolphins along with loss of habitat and pollution.

As the boat traffic has decreased and the waters become quieter, sightings of dolphins have increased by as much as 30%, with some individuals being seen for the first time in several years. Sadly, as life begins to return to normal, the dangers to the dolphins will undoubtedly return, once again putting their long-term survival under threat.