Revival Efforts for Yangtze's Finless Porpoise Yield Promising Results

In a remarkable effort to rescue the finless porpoise from extinction, Chinese researchers report an increase in their population thanks to stringent conservation measures, including a fishing ban on the Yangtze River, which showcases broader ecological improvement.

Chinese zoologists at the Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan are spearheading significant efforts to save the critically endangered finless porpoise, a species vital to the Yangtze River's ecological balance. With only about 1,200 remaining, measures such as a comprehensive fishing ban introduced five years ago are instrumental in their conservation.

The historical backdrop is grim; the baiji river dolphin and paddle fish have succumbed to extinction in recent decades. Professor Wang Xi considers the finless porpoise "the most important animal here," emphasizing its role as a top predator and indicator of ecological health.

Enforced by police, the fishing ban was a long time coming; it was first proposed back in 2006 by Professor Cao Wenxuan. The ban has disrupted the livelihoods of approximately 220,000 fishermen, yet the ban’s benefits are becoming clear with a notable uptick in fish populations since its implementation in 2021.

In addition to fishing threats, noise pollution from ships poses a danger to these creatures, which rely on echolocation to communicate. While efforts are underway to mitigate industrial pollutants by relocating factories along the river, balancing river traffic with conservation continues to present a challenge.

Community engagement has also played a significant role in these conservation efforts. Local enthusiasts like Yang He are actively monitoring porpoise populations and reporting sightings or distress calls, such as rescuing a pregnant porpoise caught in netting, further aiding the scientists’ efforts.

The finless porpoise population has remained resilient, with numbers climbing nearly 25% over the past five years, reversing an alarming decline from 3,300 individuals in the 1990s to around 1,500 in 2006. These recoveries not only indicate improvements in the finless porpoise population but also signal better overall health for the Yangtze River ecosystem.

As Wang Ding, a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, aptly puts it, “We’re saving the finless porpoise to save the Yangtze River.” Their recovery embodies the success of conservation actions, reflecting a positive trend for both wildlife and the health of the entire river system.