Hong Kong mega bridge is a death sentence for rare Chinese white dolphins

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Chinese white dolphins are displayed in an exhibition of 3D sculptures of iconic Hong Kong features made with cans, at the International Commerce Centre observation deck, in West Kowloon in July 2012. Photo: May Tse

Published: 10:16am, 19 May 2018Updated: 10:16am, 19 May 2018

I am writing in response to your video report, “Chinese cruise along Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge threatens rare white dolphins” (May 16).

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge has been a controversial project, because of its huge price tag, and quality and safety concerns. Many people doubt the claimed economic benefits of the bridge, because its huge construction budget has been exceeded repeatedly, by billions of Hong Kong dollars. Apart from these issues, there is still another that worries environmentalists and that is the bridge’s effect on the ecosystem.

The Chinese white dolphin is already an endangered species and has come under greater threat with the completion of the new mega bridge.

Construction of the bridge and associated tunnel has destroyed their habitat. Even before any benefits flowing from the bridge are established, the dolphins will pay the ultimate price. They are doomed. They cannot move to another area because they can’t adapt to the new water quality.

WWF backs Hong Kong teen’s campaign to save rare Chinese white dolphins threatened by speeding vessels and rising development

Promotions of the bridge as a marvel of engineering and an economic bonus for Hong Kong seem impressive, but thanks to the local media coverage, many are able to see that the reality is different.

No matter how brilliant the government’s claims are, it cannot escape the fact that the Chinese white dolphin and the environment are big losers from the project.

Kyle Wong, Wong Tai Sin