VCG Via Getty Images
Sarah Sharkey
The rare pink river dolphins in Hong Kong are struggling to survive as new construction happens
in their home. Huge construction projects, including a $19 billion dollar bridge across the Pearl
River are threatening the ability of these animals to survive.
The bridge is being built across an estuary area that is a vital habitat for these dolphins.
The dolphins are already struggling to live in the area due to a growing population that has led
to pollution and overfishing.
According to Lindsay Porter, researcher at the marine mammal research consultancy SMRU in
Hong Kong, “When you increase that underwater noises, you not only stop dolphins from being
able to forage, we also stop them communicating with each other.”
The dolphins are under severe stress. The stress has been evident through skin lesions and
infections.
The Hong Kong conservation department said that it wants to designate more conservation
area in order to compensate for the building stress. However, some environmentalists have
pointed out that the other efforts to designate conservation area have not resulted in
significant help for the dolphins.
Human growth is a huge factor affecting aquatic animals everywhere. We need to continue to
find ways to improve habitats in order to offset our disturbance.
Read more from the source.