Last July, a Bryde’s whale was found dead in Hong Kong’s waters. A recent autopsy report has revealed that the whale was killed by a large, fast-moving vessel that fatally injured its back and spine. Hong Kong authorities are now hoping to ban whale watching.
“There were two fresh, severe wounds that cut deep into the animal’s back and reached the spine ... [causing] instant death,” the report said.
The report conducted by Ocean Park experts ruled out fishing vessels, sampans and speedboats as the cause of the marine mammal’s death.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the injury was not caused by a whale-watching vessel. Mickey Lai Kin-ming is the director of the AFCD. When whales have been sighted, Lai said authorities should be given the power to ban whale watching and quickly create temporary areas where vessel activity is restricted.
“When whales come to Hong Kong, there are often issues or poor health conditions observed, so we should not further disturb them and cause unnecessary stress,” he said.
Lai said he hoped the AFCD would have a concrete plan for a whale-watching ban soon.
Quiz time
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What killed the Bryde’s whale that was found last July?
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What vessels have been ruled out as the cause of the whale’s death?
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Why is it important to avoid unnecessary stress for whales who come to Hong Kong?
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If the AFCD was given more power, what could it do to reduce the stress on whales that come to the city?
Suggested answers
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a large, fast-moving vessel fatally injured the whale’s back and spine
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fishing vessels, sampans and speedboats
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because those whales often have issues or poor health conditions
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The department could ban whale-watching and restrict vessel activity in times of a whale sighting.
