Date: Wed, 22 May, 1996
Pink Dolphin's Death Arouses Experts' Attention

HONG KONG, XINHUA - Dolphin researchers in Hong Kong are worried about the decreasing number of pink dolphins in the territory's waters. According to Local media, a pink dolphin was found dead on a Lantau beach this week, the second death case found this year.

Dolphin researcher Chris Parsons warned that Hong Kong's small population of dolphins could be extinct within the next 10 years. He said there were about 100 pink dolphins left in Hong Kong's waters, but heavy shipping, pollution, over-fishing, building work and reclamation were taking their toll.

Twenty-one dead pink dolphins have been found in the past two years, but the total number of deaths is probably at least twice that, he said. "Some are hit by boats, get caught in the propellers or drowned in fishing nets. They also pick up diseases as basically they are swimming around in sewage solution," he said.

Experts called on the government and communities to take protective measures for the dolphins. It is learned that plans for a 1,200-hectare marine park for the dolphins near Sha Chau are under public consultation.



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