Dolphin News
Hong Kong Dolphinwatch
Monday 30, January 2006
Recently one of our snorkel instructors - Karly Chan - headed up north to Hong Kong for a quick holiday. During her visit she couldn’t help but meet some of the marine locals – in particular the Chinese White Dolphins (Sousa chinensis).
This would not have been possible without the help of a very special organisation - Hong Kong Dolphinwatch.
“Just like us they take the general public out to see and learn about these amazing animals on a 2-3 hour journey. However unlike our boat swimming is not permitted - partly to protect the dolphins, and partly due to the pollution of the surrounding water”.
Although this visit was primarily for pleasure, Karly learnt a lot about the similarities and differences between the two populations of dolphins and the issues that they’re contending with. The two businesses also formed a relationship and the Hong Kong Dolphinwatch. Hopefully we will get some ideas on how we can improve our services on the boat and vice versa, we’re also both aiming to help promote each other’s business.
The Chinese White Dolphin is the local name for the Indo-Pacific Humpback which can be found from South Africa to China and also north of Australia. The population in Hong Kong are well-known for their pink colour. Although they are naturally white in colour it is believed that their pink colour is caused by the blood rushing to the outer layers of their skin during exercise – they blush just like us! Unfortunately due to economic development, over fishing, heavy sea traffic and pollution, many of the Chinese White Dolphins are disappearing. The most recent disruption to this fragile population was their habitat being reclaimed for the building of the new Hong Kong Airport. It is believed that the construction of the airport has reduced the population from 400 to only 100 dolphins.
Although worlds apart Sea All Dolphin Swims is finding that they may have to deal with similar issues if the Channel Deepening Project goes ahead.
Just like Sea-All Dolphin Swims, Hong Kong Dolphinwatch aims to educate people of the wonderful asset that they have in their bay and to help save the remaining dolphins.
To learn more about the Chinese White Dolphin or how you can help to save them or even how to get out there on one of their trips, visit their website:
http://www.hkdolphinwatch.com
“Just like us they take the general public out to see and learn about these amazing animals on a 2-3 hour journey. However unlike our boat swimming is not permitted - partly to protect the dolphins, and partly due to the pollution of the surrounding water”.
Although this visit was primarily for pleasure, Karly learnt a lot about the similarities and differences between the two populations of dolphins and the issues that they’re contending with. The two businesses also formed a relationship and the Hong Kong Dolphinwatch. Hopefully we will get some ideas on how we can improve our services on the boat and vice versa, we’re also both aiming to help promote each other’s business.
The Chinese White Dolphin is the local name for the Indo-Pacific Humpback which can be found from South Africa to China and also north of Australia. The population in Hong Kong are well-known for their pink colour. Although they are naturally white in colour it is believed that their pink colour is caused by the blood rushing to the outer layers of their skin during exercise – they blush just like us! Unfortunately due to economic development, over fishing, heavy sea traffic and pollution, many of the Chinese White Dolphins are disappearing. The most recent disruption to this fragile population was their habitat being reclaimed for the building of the new Hong Kong Airport. It is believed that the construction of the airport has reduced the population from 400 to only 100 dolphins.
Although worlds apart Sea All Dolphin Swims is finding that they may have to deal with similar issues if the Channel Deepening Project goes ahead.
Just like Sea-All Dolphin Swims, Hong Kong Dolphinwatch aims to educate people of the wonderful asset that they have in their bay and to help save the remaining dolphins.
To learn more about the Chinese White Dolphin or how you can help to save them or even how to get out there on one of their trips, visit their website:
http://www.hkdolphinwatch.com