The Japanese environmental delegation led by Nagabayashi Hisao (R), Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering at Nihon University, paid a visit to the Baiji Dolphinarium, August 20.

A twelve-member Japanese environmental delegation led by Nagabayashi Hisao, Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering at Nihon University, paid a visit to the Baiji Dolphinarium at Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB), August 20.  

Drs. HAO Yujiang and Zheng Jinsong from the Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals at the institute welcomed the delegation and briefly introduced IHB’s systematic researches on Yangtze River cetaceans, the historical development of Baiji Dolphinarium, the scientific conditions as well as the research focus of the research group. At the Exhibition Hall of Rare Aquatic Animals, Dr. Hao introduced the arrival, curing and naming of Qi-Qi, the world's only captive specimen of Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji, its everyday life at the institute and the attention it drew from all walks of life. The delegation members later interacted with Drs. Hao and Zheng on the rearing and conservation of Baiji. Both sides hoped to conduct academic exchanges and cooperation in relevant fields in the near future.  

Fukushima prefecture and Hubei province have been nurturing reciprocal relationship since 1994 when both sides signed a talent and technology exchanges agreement. The delegation’s current visit to IHB was aimed at seeking for cooperation opportunities in the fields of environmental protection and aquatic conservation.