Yangtze finless porpoise population rises as conservation efforts take effect

In Wuhan, China, scientists are actively working to protect and breed the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoises. This effort comes after the population of the species fell drastically from over 2,500 in the 1990s to around 1,012 by 2017, primarily due to pollution, increased boat traffic, and illegal fishing. Such environmental pressures highlight the ongoing struggles for aquatic life in the Yangtze River, which is the busiest inland waterway worldwide, contributing significantly to commerce and industry in the region. The plight of the finless porpoise has garnered considerable attention as it serves as an indicator of the river's overall health. In response to the alarming decline, conservation initiatives were put into place, including the enactment of the Yangtze River Protection Law in 2021. This legislation prohibits fishing for 10 years, along with banning harmful practices like factories discharging pollutants directly into the river. As a result of these combined efforts and regulations, the population of Yangtze finless porpoises has seen a slight recovery, now numbering around 1,300. Furthermore, scientists are also focusing on the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon, employing artificial breeding methods to revive its population in the river. The ecological balance of the Yangtze River remains fragile, prompting appeals from researchers for continued measures to regulate the shipping industry and extend the fishing ban beyond the initial ten-year period. These proactive strategies are crucial for ensuring the survival of not only the finless porpoise but the diverse marine life that relies on one of the planet's most vital waterways.