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China to keep closer eye on endangered dolphins under epic bridge(2)

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2018-08-10 00:00:03Xinhua Editor : Wang Fan ECNS App Download
Photo taken on June 6, 2017 shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under construction. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Photo taken on June 6, 2017 shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under construction. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Researchers are optimistic about current monitoring results, but remain alert.

"So far, the monitoring data is not sufficient for more precise analysis of the species, and researchers are unable to efficiently track the dolphins with available measures," Chen Tao said.

"After the opening of the bridge, assessments will be needed on the potential impact of the pier, artificial island, and tunnel on the dolphins. Years-long monitoring and surveys on the dolphins in the Lingding Bay and in their other habitats need to be made," he added.

MORE ONEROUS TASK

Dolphin watchers play an important in minimizing the construction's impact on the dolphins.

The Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin Reserve in recent years has supported more than 100 researchers in studying and protecting the mammal, and the reserve and the contractor trained over thousands of dolphin watchers during the construction of the bridge, Chen Hailiang said.

"Before the construction started, we raised seven issues in white dolphin protection. One of them was to train people to observe and protect the dolphins. We conducted 29 training sessions overall and those who passed the exam received a dolphin watcher certificate," he said.

Luo Guocai, 34, is a certificated dolphin watcher. His job is to conduct a 10-minute observation of the sea each time before construction starts. The dolphins have to breathe every few minutes above the sea.

"If we see them, we play the sound of their enemy, the killer whale, to warn them away," Luo said.

He Guomin, also a researcher with the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, co-authored a research report in 2005, concluded that "even in the worst case scenario, the construction will not cause significant damage to the species."

"No Chinese white dolphin died due to the construction in seven years and I believe their numbers will recover in the future," He said.

Chen Tao said he was more concerned about the dolphins' food. "It is a grave challenge for the dolphins that the number of their favorite prey -- demersal fish -- has reduced during the past decade. The qualify of their food is declining."

A number of researchers also believe that increasingly busy shipping activity in the estuary poses a challenge to the species.

"What we have done is just a beginning. We are facing a more onerous task of monitoring and protecting the species," Chen Tao said.

  

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