Finless porpoise numbers increase in Yichang

The number of finless porpoises observed around the Yichang Gezhou Dam has increased from 5 to 23 over the last 7 years, according to a survey published on Oct. 25, 2022.

A scientific survey conducted in September this year found two groups of finless porpoises and their young in the area below the Gezhou Dam.

“The water quality in the area below the Gezhou Dam is good, and that’s good news for the finless porpoises,” said Gao Jie, director of the Yichang Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment.

The survey was released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

As Yichang looks to give itself a “green makeover”, conservation associations and patrol teams have taken on the mission of actively protecting the finless porpoises.