Chinese scientists are intensifying their efforts to rescue the critically endangered finless porpoise, a species that symbolizes the ecological importance of the Yangtze River. The latest combat initiative involves a comprehensive fishing ban, which has recently been enforced along the river and surrounding waters. Situated near the banks of the river, the Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan preserves the historic artifacts of past aquatic life, including the baiji river dolphin and the paddle fish, both of which have succumbed to extinction.
At the forefront of this conservation movement, Professor Wang Xi from the Institute remarks, “Now that those have become extinct, we're going to save the Yangtze river porpoise. It has become the most important animal here.” Despite losing the baiji in 2002 and witnessing the last paddle fish vanish a year later, the urgent focus remains on the finless porpoise, estimated to number around 1,200 in the wild. This top-level predator is an indicator of the ecological health of the river system.
The fishing ban originated from ideas proposed by Professor Cao Wenxuan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2006 but only gained traction five years ago, leading to a 10-year prohibition under strict enforcement measures. While the ban has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of 220,000 fishermen, it aims to reverse the trend of declining porpoise populations. Currently considered critically endangered, the finless porpoise represents a unique branch in the porpoise family tree and remains the sole surviving large aquatic mammal in the Yangtze.
Although the construction of the enormous Three Gorges Dam did not directly jeopardize the finless porpoise’s breeding activities, it adversely affected the fish population on which they rely. Wang Ding from the International Union for Conservation of Nature acknowledges the dual nature of the dams which can mitigate floods but can also adversely impact other aquatic species, such as the giant sturgeon.
In their quest for conservation, scientists are benefiting from increased fish numbers reported in studies since the fishing ban's inception. However, other dangers persist, notably from the noise pollution generated by bustling river traffic, which poses a significant threat to the porpoise's well-being. That said, the cessation of chemical discharges from factories along the Yangtze has contributed to improvements in water quality.
Community involvement has also emerged as a crucial aspect of efforts to protect the finless porpoise. Local residents like Yang He have taken on conservation roles, utilizing their photography skills to document the porpoises and engaging in rescue missions whenever necessary. Over recent years, porpoise populations have shown a slight recovery, doubling in numbers from a low of 3,300 in the 1990s to a new high of approximately 2,500.
The incremental success of conservation initiatives has led scientists to recognize that the health of the finless porpoise is an indicator of the river's overall ecological condition. “We're saving the finless porpoise to save the Yangtze River,” concludes Wang Ding. The resilience of these porpoises not only signals hope for their survival but also underscores the crucial efforts being made to restore a vital ecosystem that maintains the balance of life in one of the world’s most significant rivers.
