Researchers and conservationists have appealed to the State Council, China’s cabinet, to elevate the porpoises from class II to class I protected species status – which would give more legal heft to preservation efforts – and to create more porpoise reserves. They have also called for better enforcement of waste-discharge regulations, and suggest reducing boat traffic, regulating fishing equipment or even introducing a fishing ban in the river.

Protecting river ecosystems is not just about saving charismatic animals such as the finless porpoise, says Wang. “Ultimately, it’s about our own existence. Rivers that are too sick to support a healthy ecosystem would be also unsuitable for human use.”    

This article is reproduced with permission from the magazine Nature. The article was first published on December 24, 2012.

2 Comments

1. 1. David Evans 03:25 PM 12/27/12

   With all the pressures on the Yangtze and other Chinese rivers, with little concern for impacts on wildlife, species losses must be inevitable.
   

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2. 2. bccnp1 09:31 AM 12/31/12

   Mother Nature is screaming at mankind.
   Who will listen?
   I want my grandkids and great-grandkids to see the planet flourish.
   Nature and Science rock.
   At some point don't we do it for all our kids in the future?
   
   
   Bucky's Journey part 1
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR7l_iWvnx4
   
   Bucky's Journey part 2
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOjDUZD16f8
   
   Boxing deer and dog
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp9kTQeN4ec

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