Finless porpoise found dead on Hong Kong beach in 20th stranding case reported this year
- Adult porpoise’s carcass, which was severely decomposed, brought to Ocean Park to find out the cause of death
- Porpoise measured about 1.7 metres (5.6 feet) in length and was found on a beach near Joss House Bay
A finless porpoise has been found dead on a beach in Sai Kung, marking the 20th stranding case involving marine mammals reported in Hong Kong this year, according to the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation.
The group said the adult porpoise’s carcass, which was severely decomposed, was brought to Ocean Park on Tuesday to find out the cause of death, a day after it was discovered on a beach near Joss House Bay, or Tai Miu Wan.
The porpoise measured about 1.7 metres (5.6 feet) in length, with its sex yet to be confirmed. The species is commonly seen in local waters.
A spokesman of the foundation, which helps the government investigate all cases of stranded cetaceans, said fishing nets, a common threat to the species, were not seen on the carcass.
The foundation previously said human activity was the main reason for cetacean fatalities among stranding cases where the cause of death could be determined.
Fishing nets or gear entanglement was one of the major reasons for the animals stranding in local waters, while trauma caused by boats and lung infections were among common causes of death, the foundation said.