Rescue & Recovery

Since 2006, we have been supporting the Cetacean Stranding Response Team of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK). This team collaborates with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to investigate dolphin and porpoise strandings in Hong Kong. Every year, as many as 50 cetaceans are found stranded on Hong Kong beaches or floating in Hong Kong waters. As most of the carcasses are highly decomposed when found, the cause of death can only be determined in 10% of cases. From these, OPCFHK concludes that the 3 major causes of death are fishing net entanglement, boat strike, and infection.

Since June 2016, the team has expanded its collaboration with the AFCD to include both live and dead strandings of threatened sharks and rays in Hong Kong.

Release

We make every effort to help rescued wildlife recover, and whenever the AFCD deems suitable, rescued wildlife is released back into the wild. Since 2000, the Park has treated and released over 75 sea turtles in conjunction with the AFCD. Satellite transmitters, metal tags and microchips have been attached to their carapaces to record their oceanic voyages. This work further facilitates understanding about the natural history of these endangered animals, critical to the enhancement of conservation work.