Advertisement
Environment
Hong KongHealth & Environment

Remains of two finless porpoise discovered in Hong Kong taking total number found since start of year to eight

  • Badly decomposed carcasses of mammals found in Shek O and Shek Pai Wan
  • A spate of incidents over past three weeks takes number of dead porpoise found in city’s waters to eight this year

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
The remains of two finless porpoise were found in Hong Kong on Monday. Photo: Handout.
Kimmy Chung

The decomposing carcasses of two juvenile finless porpoise were found in Hong Kong on Monday, the latest in a spate of such incidents in the past three weeks.

Ocean Park Conservation Foundation received two separate reports from members of the public about the remains, which were discovered at Shek O Beach and Shek Pai Wan.

In the first case, the fluke, or rear fin, was missing, and the body was severely decomposed. It had been 147cm long, but it was not possible to determine its gender.

Advertisement
The second, found at Shek Pai Wan, was discovered about midday and was 95cm long.
The first porpoise, which was missing its rear fin, was discovered on Shek O Beach. Photo: Handout
The first porpoise, which was missing its rear fin, was discovered on Shek O Beach. Photo: Handout

In both instances the cause of death was unknown and the foundation has taken both carcasses to Ocean Park for further necropsy.

Advertisement

Members of the public are urged to call the NGO’s hotline if they come across any mammals such as porpoise, dolphins and whales that have been stranded on the city’s beaches, so it can take immediate action.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x