Distribution & Abundance
Finless Porpoises inhabit warm, coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific, thriving in both freshwater and marine environments.
Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise found in Hong Kong is distinguished by a wide area of tubercles on its dorsal surface. This species ranges from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, exhibiting morphological differences from the narrow-ridged finless porpoises located in the Yangtze River and other regions such as the East China Sea, Yellow Sea, Bohai and the waters surrounding Korea and Japan.
In Hong Kong, the abundance of Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises varies seasonally, with numbers peaking in spring and declining in summer and autumn as they migrate in and out of local waters. These porpoises are predominantly found in the southern and eastern waters, particularly in the South Lantau Marine Park. This area serves as a vital habitat for the species, highlighting the importance of effective conservation efforts in these regions.
Studying the abundance of Finless Porpoises presents unique challenges due to their lack of a dorsal fin and their grey coloration, which makes them less visible compared to other marine mammals like the Chinese White Dolphin.
