Report of Stranding

How many cetacean strandings were found in Hong Kong in the past ten years?

^(a) One stranding case of an injured Chinese white dolphin. The injured dolphin was transferred to Ocean Park Hong Kong for veterinary care and treatment. However, due to deterioration in condition, the dolphin was humanely euthanized.

^(b) One potential stranding case of an injured Chinese white dolphin. The individual did not strand and showed signs of recovery in subsequent observations.

^(c) One potential stranding case of a young Pantropical spotted dolphin discovered inside the water of a marina. The individual did not strand, left the marina and not sighted again in subsequent observations.

^(d) One stranding case of entangled Finless Porpoise. The injured porpoise was transferred to Ocean Park Hong Kong for veterinary care and treatment. However, the porpoise died in a tragic accident caused by drowning after it became entrapped behind the pool lining, despite efforts to address its injuries and stabilize its condition.

^(e) One stranding case of a Bryde’s whale. The whale ventured into Mirs Bay of Shenzhen waters in June 2021, and has been lingering around the border between mainland and Hong Kong. The whale was found dead on 30 August 2021 at the mainland waters.

^(f) One stranding case of Dwarf Sperm Whale. The whale was reported to float in the shallow water at Tai Long Wan of Sai Kung in the late afternoon of 17 June 2021. The Marine Police provided assistance by holding the animal with a sling at the deeper water. The Stranding Response Team arrived at the site at around 8:30 in the evening and confirmed that the whale was already deceased.

^(g) One stranding case of Pantropical Spotted Dolphin. The dolphin was reported to be swimming near the shark net and rocky shore of Ting Kau Beach. It eventually stranded on the beach and despite assistance from lifeguards, it was unable to return to the ocean. The Stranding Response Team arrived and made the decision to transport the dolphin to Ocean Park for further treatment. Unfortunately, the dolphin died during transportation.

^(h) One stranding case of a Bryde’s whale. The whale was discovered near Leung Shuen Wan of Sai Kung on 13 July 2023, and has been lingering in waters of Port Shelter. The whale was found dead on 31 July 2023 near Shelter Island of Sai Kung.

⁽ⁱ⁾ One potential stranding case of a Dwarf Sperm Whale. The whale was reported to have appeared in Deep Water Bay of Hong Kong Island on the morning of 11 September 2023. Intensive search efforts were conducted both at sea and from the air, and the whale was briefly sighted again at dusk of the same day. The individual did not strand. However, despite ongoing search efforts for the following seven days, the whale was not seen again.