Hong Kong’s whale must be given the respect it deserves
- Rare sightings of a whale in city waters were met with excitement. And while the interest in the animal is understandable, it is hard to defend the rush of people trying to get a closer look
Excitement has rippled across the city over the past two weeks after rare sightings of a whale in Hong Kong waters. Interest in the animal is understandable, but it is hard to defend the rush of people trying to get a closer look.
The first images of what is believed to be a Bryde’s whale appeared more than two weeks ago, showing the creature surfacing and opening its jaws to feed. Estimated to be about seven metres (23 feet) long, it vanished for a few days before it was seen again.
Marine experts have pleaded with onlookers to stay away because the whale may be lost and injured. Past appearances by marine mammals in local waters have often ended in tragedy after they were later found dead.
Concerns about the current aquatic visitor deepened when a photo taken on July 22 showed deep cuts on its back. Marine biologist and Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society chairman Taison Chang Kai-tai said he was almost certain the two parallel wounds were caused by ship propellers, meaning the whale may “face bigger difficulties” returning to its normal habitat.
He called for a temporary protection zone in the area.
Representatives of Ocean Park and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation who are monitoring the whale said people have continued to approach close enough to cause stress that can be life-threatening because it can disrupt the whale’s resting and feeding.
It is good to see protective actions from authorities, including Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki. As acting chief executive while John Lee Ka-chiu is overseas, Chan ordered police, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Marine Department to remind the public to avoid taking to boats in the hope of spotting the whale.
Hong Kong’s No 2 official urges public to stay away from whale
Marine police have also been asked to step up patrols in waters where the whale was seen and officials started warning that the mammals are protected animals. People who get too close may be committing an offence if such creatures are harmed.
Fascination with marine life is something to be encouraged. But when curiosity does more harm than good for vulnerable animals sharing our waters, it is time to curb our enthusiasm.
