WUHAN, China (AP) — At the Institute of Hydrobiology in Wuhan, a dozen sleek gray Yangtze finless porpoises swim gracefully in a large pool, representing ongoing scientific efforts to protect and breed these rare mammals endemic to China's longest river, the Yangtze. The Yangtze River, one of the busiest inland waterways globally, saw its cargo shipping volume exceed 4 billion metric tons (4.4 billion U.S. tons) in 2024 according to state media, which raises concerns about the environmental impact of human activities on the river's health.
The Yangtze finless porpoise serves as an important indicator of the river's ecological state. Research indicates that the population of this critically endangered species has significantly dwindled, plummeting from over 2,500 individuals in the 1990s to merely 1,012 by 2017. This alarming decline is attributed to various factors such as pollution, increased boat traffic, and illegal fishing practices that have diminished their food sources.
The scientific community has expressed grave concerns about the fate of these porpoises. Veteran researcher Wang Ding, who led an international team searching for the Baiji dolphin—a species that was declared functionally extinct after a failed nine-day search in 2006—fears that if the finless porpoises cannot survive in the Yangtze, other aquatic species may follow suit. “We feared that if this animal cannot survive in the Yangtze, the other species will, like dominoes, disappear one by one from the river,” Wang stated.
In response to the dwindling population of the Yangtze finless porpoise, various conservation initiatives have been launched. The Yangtze River Protection Law, enacted in 2021, aims to safeguard the river's environment by imposing a 10-year fishing ban, relocating factories, and prohibiting harmful sewage and chemical discharges into the water. Thanks to these measures, the population of Yangtze finless porpoises has now begun to edge upward, reaching approximately 1,300 individuals.
Moreover, efforts are underway to conserve the Chinese sturgeon, another critically endangered species. Scientists have initiated artificial breeding and have successfully released thousands of these fish into the Yangtze in hopes of restoring their wild population. However, experts believe that more stringent regulations on shipping and an extension of the 10-year fishing ban are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of these species.
In addition to the porpoises and sturgeons, the rich biodiversity of the Yangtze River is under continuous inspection. Wang Ding also discusses a variety of lifeforms found in the river, highlighting the importance of preserving the entire aquatic ecosystem. The Institute of Hydrobiology, located in Wuhan, serves as a hub for research and conservation exhibiting various rare aquatic species, including specimens and skeletons of marine life.
As conservation efforts continue, public awareness and education play a vital role in protecting the Yangtze River's wildlife. Various displays at the Museum of Hydro-biological Sciences in Wuhan offer insights into the unique aquatic lifeforms that once flourished in the river, emphasizing the urgent need for ongoing efforts to restore and protect these vulnerable species.
While challenges remain, such as balancing economic activities with conservation goals, the incremental progress observed so far serves as a beacon of hope for the future of these critically endangered species within the Yangtze River ecosystem.
