A delegation from Xinzhou District, Wuhan, led by SU Haifeng, secretary of the CPC Xinzhou District Committee, visited the Baiji Dolphinarium on June 11, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

A delegation from Xinzhou District, Wuhan, led by SU Haifeng, secretary of the CPC Xinzhou District Committee, visited the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on June 11, 2025, to discuss conservation efforts for the Yangtze finless porpoise. The delegation included members of the district’s Development and Reform Bureau, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, and Culture and Tourism Bureau. 

The delegation first visited IHB’s Baiji Dolphinarium, where researchers detailed breakthroughs in captive breeding, health monitoring, and habitat protection for the critically endangered species. They then toured the Museum of Hydrobiological Sciences and the IHB History Exhibit, learning about the institute’s 90-year legacy in freshwater ecology research. Secretary Su praised IHB’s pioneering work in establishing an international model for cetacean conservation, including the successful artificial breeding of both first- and second- generations of Yangtze finless porpoises.

During the meeting, IHB deputy director XIE Shouqi welcomed the delegation and highlighted Xinzhou’s strategic geographic advantages for the finless porpoise. "With the Yangtze National Cultural Park entering a new phase, Xinzhou’s ecological assets and IHB’s scientific expertise can create powerful synergies," he noted. 

Secretary Su outlined Xinzhou’s conservation vision, emphasizing that the Xinzhou District boasts excellent water quality, with the 'Finless Porpoise Bay' area featuring a unique river-lake-wetland ecosystem at the confluence of the Yangtze River. This makes it a vital habitat for Yangtze finless porpoises within Wuhan's jurisdiction. "Protecting the finless porpoise aligns with our commitment to ‘lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets,’" he said. The district has established a dedicated task force to integrate porpoise conservation with cultural tourism, aiming to make it a signature initiative for sustainable development. 

Prof. WANG Kexiong presented IHB’s latest findings and proposed science-education-tourism partnerships. A conceptual plan for a Yangtze Finless Porpoise Cultural Park was also discussed. Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration in research, public outreach, and eco-friendly tourism development.