Rescuers in the central Chinese city of Yichang saved a Yangtze finless porpoise that was stranded in shallow water and freed it back into the river on Thursday through 16-hour efforts.
The stranded porpoise was found in the Zhijiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, 26 kilometers from the estuary, while the endangered species is believed to live in deep water.
The Yangtze finless porpoise is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. In 2021, China classified the spices as under national Grade-I conservation.
It has been speculated that the porpoise may have swum from the Yangtze's mainstream to its tributaries as the water level rose during the flood season, but as the water level dropped, it may have encountered dangers in its migration.
"As water levels continue to decline, the porpoise may be affected by a lack of resources, including changes in water quality, in a relatively small area of water," said Mei Zhigang, associate researcher with the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
A rescue team composed of local authorities and residents began work on Wednesday night, setting up sections of floating nets and narrowing the circles.
After the porpoise was captured and brought to shore, researchers kept the porpoise's skin moist by watering it and covering it with wet towels, and checked its health immediately.
"According to the measurement results, it is a sub-adult male porpoise, about two years old. In terms of appearance, it's a strong looking individual, with all kinds of indicators being normal, no scars, very energetic, which means it's in a very healthy condition," said Mei.
The creature was released into the mainstream Yangtze River on Thursday afternoon after passing the health check.
According to the 2022 comprehensive surveys on the species, there were 1,249 finless porpoises in the Yangtze, which marks a significant rebound from 2017 when the figure stood at only 1,012, only half the number of giant pandas.
Conservationists in central China rescues stranded porpoise through 16-hour effort
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
