Editorial | Turn fury over Hong Kong whale death into action
- Hong Kong must do a better job of protecting its marine heritage, even if some species are infrequent visitors
Hearts were broken and then filled with anger across Hong Kong this week after the death of a whale that had captivated many with an unexpected appearance in the city’s waters.
Fishermen spotted its lifeless carcass on Monday morning, floating off Sai Kung. The creature, believed to be a Bryde’s whale, was confirmed to be the same animal that had been swimming and feeding in the area for more than two weeks.
Its arrival initially drew a rush of whale watchers. The Ocean Park Conservation Foundation urged the public to stay away from the area as marine experts warned that the stress of boat tours during the day and fishing vessels at night could disrupt the whale’s feeding and keep it from feeding or finding its way back to the open sea.
Two cuts, possibly from a ship propeller, visible on the mammal’s back also raised concerns about its welfare. City officials called for stepped-up patrols and the Marine Department urged boat skippers in the area to slow down and not approach the whale.
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Whale found dead in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung waters after rare sightings
Many are asking if more could have been done, criticism that only intensified after the dead whale’s carcass showed signs of fresh injuries near its dorsal fin and on its belly.