An ambitious airport project threatens to decimate the rare dolphins that inhabit the waters to the west of Hong Kong
A airport project is threatening the
al of the rare pink dolphins that
off Hong Kong's western coast.
as Chek Lap Kok, a small island off
imm that lies to Hong Kong's west, is
Z" bulldozed to form a platform for
r airport, environmentalists fear that
etiging, reclamation, underwater
wing and accompanying sewage
ri., could kill the dolphins.
The indications are ominous. Pods
Iphins, believed to belong to the
iw family as Chinese white dolphins
se Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins,
Le Travelled regularly around 2 islets
w-n as The Brothers. As these islets
rr blasted and levelled for the airport
even single sightings have now
L,rne a rare phenomenon.
Besides, in the '80s, pods of up to
acre often seen. Now the dolphins
mri in groups of only 3 or 4. Accord
, the estimates of environmental
kv---,z Stu Pryke, there were 200 to 400
wwse white dolphins in Hong Kong's
or-f-; in 1989. Some researchers now
6mc that their numbers have declined
ki-o een 40 and 100.
Environmental concern centres on
wruction din. and high frequency
w rom underwater blasting. "We're
,1arly worried this could kill ani
IN outright. The underwater noise
OL juse a massive pressure change,"
,earcher Lindsay Porter, who esti
Om :hit the dolphins will be safe from
only if they are at least 600
wv way. Although contractors
pk-ng on the airport project have
W it) minimise the hazards of blast
-atrolling waters within the dan
to check that no dolphins are
such assurances cut little ice
sceptics. Pryke believes the only
pr , an emergency sanctuary off
O,at,tern Lantau.
S,ng Kong's agricultural and fishP :,C-artment is, however, not particularly well disposed to such suggestions. According to the department,
these measures may turn out to be a
waste of taxpayers' money. Conservationists, nevertheless, believe that
such officialdom will hasten the cleimise
of the dolphins.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.