Experts divided over how to deal with wounded Chinese white dolphin
Department must decide on whether to capture injured mammal for treatment or leave it in wild
Should an injured Chinese white dolphin be captured for medical treatment or left to recover in the wild? That's the question dividing marine experts and conservationists - with the government yet to make a decision.
Disturbing pictures of the endangered mammal's wounds emerged after it was spotted by a group of University of Hong Kong students off Tai O, Lantau. It appears to have severe propeller cuts to its back and fin, though marine experts differ on how serious the cuts are and the best way forward.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has the final say on how to help the protected species - of which only about 60 live in Hong Kong waters. The department will consider the experts' comments.
Dr Leszek Karczmarski, associate professor at HKU's school of biological sciences and a research scientist at the Swire Institute of Marine Science, wants the animal captured.
"The dolphin can and should be rescued," he argued yesterday. "It should not be abandoned and left to its own misery under such horrific circumstances."
He said damage to the dolphin's back muscles will leave it unable to swim efficiently and eat enough fish for its needs. He fears the open wounds will become infected, and the dolphin will not survive without medical help.