• Biopsy Sampling Trial Programme on Chinese white dolphins
• Surveys of Dolphinaria in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
• Boat surveys of Chinese white dolphins in Taiwan with FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group
• Land-based surveys at Matzu Islands, Taiwan, with FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group
• Boat surveys of Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong waters
• Participated in International Cetacean Conferences and Symposiums

1. Biopsy Sampling Trial Programme on Chinese white dolphins

(by Dr. Thomas A. Jefferson and Mr. Samuel Hung)

The researcher is going to shoot a biopsy dart to the dolphin to get its sample

In the past years, a great deal has been learned about the Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong , but still, several aspects of their biology, which are critical to conservation, are poorly known. These include color pattern development, external indicators of age and sex, life history parameters, population structure, unbiased information on exposure to pollutants, and prey composition differences of various age and sex classes. Therefore, HKDCS has allocated its fund to sponsor a unique project to Dr. T.A. Jefferson, to conduct a trial biopsy collection programme to determine the feasibility of this technique for Hong Kong dolphins. This trial programme has obtained permission from the AFCD in previous time.

 

In this project Dr. Jefferson, the principal investigator, aimed to collect small biopsy cores of skin and blubber from free-ranging dolphins using specific crossbow method. The research team attempted to collect samples from 5-6 individuals that bear recognizable natural markings, and monitor their behavioural responses and wound healing after sample collection. The biopsy samples will then be sent to research collaborators from overseas for analysis. DNA from the skin sample can be used for sex determination of the biopsied animal; while blubber sample is used for examination of pollutant levels in dolphin including DDT, PCBs and other organochlorine contaminants. Reproductive status of the biopsied dolphin can also be learnt by studying reproductive hormone level inside blubber.

The biopsy sampling programme was conducted and accomplished during October and November 2004 by the principal investigator. In less than three weeks, the researchers were able to collect the desired number of samples from six dolphins. All dolphins reacted to the biopsy darting procedure in just a mild way, and their reactions were temporary. Dolphins were first startled when hit by the biopsy darts, but they were generally approachable again within minutes and several darted dolphins were observed again one to several days later in the same general area where they were darted. The six samples were collected from five previously identified individuals.

Now researchers have already acquired some preliminary results from the biopsy samples. It was found that three of the biopsied animals were males while the other three were females. Besides, data for pollutant and reproductive hormone levels of the samples have been determined.

The final report of this trial programme has been completed in 2005. Click here to download the summary of the report (MS Word document).

HKDCS and Dr. Jefferson wish to thank AFCD for their support throughout the project and granting of the permit for biopsy collection, Hong Kong Police for granting the permit to store and carry the crossbow, and the China Gun Club for providing the required storage place for the crossbow equipment.

2. Surveys of Dolphinaria in China, HK and Taiwan

(by Miss. Polly Chik)

An aquarium at Lo Fu Tan, mainland China

The objective of this project is to provide general information on current situation of marine mammals (including cetaceans, pinnipeds, polar bear, arctic fox and sea otter), penguins and sea turtles kept in captivity in China . In the recent past, number of aquaria that house these animals has been escalating, and the situation has never been documented or monitored. Therefore, the principal investigator visited 22 aquaria and institutes throughout mainland China and Hong Kong, and gathered much valuable information through interviews and personal observations. An initial database has been set up to track future changes of the situation, and recommendations will be provided to monitor the growing industry, which may be related to conservation issues of some involved species. The report with summarized results will be published in near future.

3. Boat Survey of Chinese white dolphins in Taiwan with FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group

In the past few years, researchers from Taiwan and Hong Kong had initiated a long-term study on Chinese white dolphins along the west coast of Taiwan to investigate the abundance, distribution and habitat use of the dolphins as well as the threats faced by them.

In 2004, Mr. Leo Yeung, vice-chairman of HKDCS, joined Dr. John Wang and Ms. Shih-chu Yang, who are researchers of the FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group, to carry out boat surveys along the coastline of central western Taiwan, and sighted several groups of Chinese white dolphins. They took pictures to identify individual dolphins and recorded important data to study their distribution and social organization.

4. Land-based survey at Matzu Islands, Taiwan, with FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group

In 2004, HKDCS started their collaboration with FormosaCetus Research and Conservation Group to carry out cetacean survey at Matzu Islands , which is located northwest to Taiwan , with funding and support from the local government. The research aimed to find out species and distribution of cetaceans occurring in the nearby waters. This survey project is to be split into several parts, with the first time conducted as a land-based survey in November 2004. Ms. Choyce Choi, a dolphin researcher, took part in the one-week land-based survey on behalf of HKDCS together with the researchers of FormosaCetus . During the study period, researchers recorded a number of sightings of finless porpoise and assisted in dealing with stranded porpoise carcasses.

In March 2005, Mr. Samuel Hung, the chairman of HKDCS, left for Matzu to attend the second field survey for porpoise (both land-based and boat surveys). Again, researchers recorded several sightings of finless porpoise in Matzu waters during the study period.

5. Boat surveys of Chinese white dolphins in Hong Kong waters

HKDCS conducts regular boat surveys of cetaceans (including the Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises) in Hong Kong waters, to collect data on their distribution and abundance. Also, HKDCS takes up-close photographs of the Chinese white dolphins during boat surveys and dolphin watching trips for photo-identification, which would help determine the dolphins' habitat range and movement pattern.

In 2007, we are starting a monthly boat survey on the dolphins. For the data, photographs and more details of the surveys, please refer to our Research Log.

6. Participated in International Cetacean Conferences and Symposiums

Mr. Samuel Hung, the chairman of the HKDCS, has represented the HKDCS to attend and present in a number of international cetacean conferences and symposiums, including:

• Cetacean Ecology and Conservation in Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong - 11th Symposium on Cetacean Ecology and Conservation (2005)
• International Whaling Committeee (IWC) 57th Annual Meeting - Small Cetaceans Subcomittee Meeting (2005)
• Whale-watching management Symposium in Taiwan (2004)
• Symposium and workshop on Chinese white dolphins in Taiwan (2004)