Page 42 - OPCF 2020

USSP – 中華白海豚及布氏鯨保育項目:親身參與鯨豚保育 USSP – Chinese White Dolphin and Bryde’s Whale Project:
Getting First-hand Experience on Cetacean Conservation
©James Yip
隨著中國沿岸地區經濟蓬勃發展，捕魚和旅遊活 動日益頻繁，使區內海洋動物面臨著前所未有的 生存威脅，而首當其衝的包括中華白海豚(Sousa chinensis)與布氏鯨(Balaenoptera edeni)。廣 西科學院為此特別於廣西北部灣展開研究，引入無人 機偵測當地中華白海豚和布氏鯨種群的蹤影，以制定 更全面有效的保育方案。
©James Yip
在二零二零年一月，USSP學生跟隨研究團隊展開 為期十一天的實地考察，期間不單學習到如何利用 相片識別不同的布氏鯨個體，還成功目擊到六條成 年和五條年幼布氏鯨出沒。而在中華白海豚保育方 面，USSP 學生協助展開無人機調查項目，助研究團 隊了解人類活動對海洋生態的影響，並進行潮間帶 生態考察。此外，USSP 學生還學習規劃負責任的生 態旅遊，教導當地民眾成為優秀的導賞員，促進海 洋動物的保育。
Marine species face unprecedented challenges to their survival with the rapid economic development, fishery and tourism along Chinese coastal areas. Two cetacean species that particularly exemplify this problem are the Chinese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). In order to formulate a more comprehensive and effective conservation plan for these two species, the Guangxi Academy of Science launched a study to explore the use of drones in surveying populations in Beibu Gulf, Guangxi.
USSP students were offered opportunities to acquire on-site experience with this project. During an 11-day trip in January 2020, USSP students learnt to identify individual Bryde’s whales through photos, and witnessed the appearance of six mature individuals and five calves. They also assisted in a drone survey on human impact within the Chinese white dolphin’s habitat and in an intertidal biodiversity survey. In addition, students explored how to plan for responsible eco-tourism, in that way teaching locals how to be good stewards for marine mammals.
在保育研究的體驗當中，我們對研究員的日常工作有了更具體的感受，也更深深感覺到公眾的支 持對保育工作的重要性。只有得到當地社群支持，保育行動才能取得成功。
Taking part in conservation projects allowed us a glimpse into researchers’ daily lives. This strengthened our perspective on the importance of public support in any conservation project. Only when local communities participate can conservation action be successful.
葉澍佳先生(香港大學)及鄧樂怡女士(香港浸會大學) 二零一九至二零二零年度USSP參加者
Mr. James Yip (The University of Hong Kong) and
Ms. Carol Tang (Hong Kong Baptist University) 2019/20 USSP Alumni
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