A carcass being examined by OPCF staff
The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation of Hong Kong has received many reports over the past week or concerning decomposed carcasses of finless dolphins in Sai Kung shores. The latest was found last Saturday (17/2), the ninth such case in this year alone. The carcass was severely decomposed, and was taken back back to Ocean Park for detailed autopsy and analysis. This carcass was discovered at Sai Wan, Sai Kung. After preliminary inspection, it was confirmed to be a young finless porpoise, about 72 cm in length. The gender needs further testing.
Earlier this month OPCF already received reports of two cetacean stranding cases and brought the two finless porpoise skeletons back to Ocean Park for detailed dissection and analysis.
The first carcass in February was discovered on 9th of this month on the rocky beach opposite the East Dam, Sai Kung. Officers went to the scene to investigate and found that the carcass of the finless porpoise was in a Level 5 “skeletal” condition and could not be identified.
On 12th of this month a finless porpoise carcass was found on the beach outside Bella Vista on Silver Terrace Road, Clear Water Bay, Sai Kung. Officers went to the scene to examine the body and confirmed that the finless porpoise was an adult with an unknown gender and a length of about 143 cm.
The OPCFHK urges the public to call the 1823 hotline if suspected cases of cetacean, shark, or dolphin stranding are discovered, and provide the time, location, and photos of the stranding so that the action team can arrive at the scene as soon as possible to follow up. The Conservation Fund also appeals to the public to remember to take away their own garbage when going to the sea and playing on the beach. When engaging in water activities, you should also try to avoid using shampoo and shower gel to avoid contaminating the marine environment with untreated chemicals.
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