According to research from Sun Yat University in China, numbers of the Chinese white dolphin are expected to plummet in the next few decades, dropping by an estimated 74% and putting the species at serious risk of extinction.
This is all down to pollution. Large quantities of toxic metals such as lead and mercury are finding their way into the Pearl River Delta off China’s coast. These metals are toxic to almost all life, including humans, and accumulate in top predators such as dolphins.
The dolphins’ nervous and immune systems are damaged, and many eventually die.
Of course, it isn’t just dolphins who are affected. Such pollution also constitutes a major health hazard to China’s people.
Ask the Chinese government to take immediate steps to curb this dangerous pollution.
We the undersigned ask that you take urgent action to curb the pollution that is putting the Chinese White dolphin at risk of extinction.
This form of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is unique to Chinese waters and as charismatic and valuable as the panda.
Of course, it is not just the dolphins affected by the pollution. This level of pollution is extremely dangerous to China’s people and to other wildlife.
Please formulate an action plan to tackle the problem as a matter of the utmost urgency.
Thank you for your attention.
