LIU Renjun, former PI of the Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals, gave remarks at the ceremony. 

The Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals celebrated its 40^th anniversary at Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences on September 15, 2018.    

Researchers from the Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals have been engaging in the studies and conservation of Baiji and Yangtze finless porpoises over the past four decades. “They put forth three major countermeasures on cetacean conservation, which were in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, artificial breeding conservation” said Prof. HU Wei, IHB’s deputy director.    

They actively promoted, led and participated in the protection of Yangtze River dolphins in China and have been engaged in cetacean conservation biology for the longest time in China, with the most complete disciplines and the most active international cooperation, added Hu.    

IHB Prof. WANG Ding, principal investigator of the Group, said, “We have not only devoted to the conservation and research of the finless porpoises in the Yangtze River, but also trained a number of excellent researchers for the research of marine mammals in China.”    

Many graduates have been working in the forefront of China’s whale and dolphin research and protection studies and have made positive contributions to China’s whale and dolphin conservation studies.    

12 graduates shared their experiences of doing research after graduation. LIU Renjun, former PI of the Group, reviewed the ups and downs over the past 40 years. He said, “Through the efforts of three generations, our group has overcome difficulties and gradually grown stronger.” He asked the younger generation to work harder and make more innovation and contribution to the cetacean conservation studies in China.    

Prof. WANG Ding reviewed the development of the Group over the past 40 years through 14 major events. The past 40 years of the Group was in full step with China’s reform and opening up. The vigorous development of the Group today is due to the development and progress of the country as well as the joint efforts of the older generations of scientists and researchers of the Group.    

“Our work has not only laid a solid foundation for the protection of the Yangtze finless porpoises, but also opened a window for the great protection of the Yangtze River.” Prof. WANG Ding said.  

Prof. WANG Ding, PI of the Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals, gave remarks at the ceremony.