Horizon : The death of Bryde's whale in Hong Kong waters
【明報專訊】A Bryde's whale strayed into Hong Kong waters in July 2023, but was found dead tragically after staying in Hong Kong for two weeks. Disturbance caused by yachts and speedboats with excited sightseers rushing to the area was said to be a possible cause of its death, arousing controversy over marine wildlife conservation.
Some facts about Bryde's whales
Length: up to 15 metres
Weight: up to 40 tonnes
Characteristics: three longitudinal ridges on the top of their heads
Habitat: tropical, warm water
Food: fish, krill and plankton
This Bryde's whale was not the only cetacean entering Hong Kong waters by accident. Since the 1950s, there have been at least ten incidents of cetaceans visiting Hong Kong, but only few could leave Hong Kong waters safely.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urges citizens not to put out to sea to watch whales. If citizens encounter whales at sea, they must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres, reduce the speed of the boat and leave the waters as soon as possible. Otherwise, government officials may take enforcement action.
At the student level, what can you do to conserve local marine biodiversity?
(See the table)
What else can you think of for marine conservation? Let's share your ideas with the people you know!
■Glossary
tragically (adv) 悲劇地
controversy (n) 爭議
plankton (n) 浮游生物
habitat (n) 棲息地
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第397期]
