People having whale of a time told to keep their distance

Animal experts believe the injured whale off the coast of Sai Kung has been healing but called on authorities to set up a temporary conservation zone to keep people and boats away from the mammal.

Since the Bryde's whale was first spotted on July 13 in Sai Kung, it has been staying in the area and attracted people with a penchant for watching the majestic creature to go chasing after it over the past weekend.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said he has ordered maritime police and relevant departments to step up inspections in the waters and at the pier.

Compass Chan Tsz-nam, scientific officer of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, said he has seen two suspected propeller wounds to the whale's back, estimating that the wounds were two weeks old.

He added that they will discuss with vets and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on their next moves if new wounds are found.

The general curator of zoological operations and conservation at Ocean Park, Philip Wong Wing-hong, said the whale is currently in a stable condition.

Wong said sick animals will usually stop eating and stay still to rest, but the whale can be seen swimming freely and eating.

"People who are planning to chase after the whale should give up," Wong urged. "The whale is injured and needs time to recover. Having five to six boats around it will put people in danger as well when the whale moves its body and hits boats."

Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society chairman Taison Chang Ka-tai said the whale's wounds were likely caused by ship propellers or fishing gear such as nets.

"It's difficult to determine why the whale entered local waters, but it has stayed here for a relatively long time," he said. "Authorities should investigate whether it is possible to set up a temporary reserve or if there is a need to reduce the speed of ships temporarily.

"We can draw a map of where the whale has been active recently, then investigate whether the area touches principal fairways. If it does, reduce the speed of boats that travel along the route."

Chang said according to whale-watching guidelines, there should only be one vessel within 500 meters of a whale. And no vessels should approach the whale within 100 meters, he said, adding that the engine should be turned off in the case that it does.

Chang said that the boats chasing after the whale recently are mostly speedboats.

"Speedboats move very quickly and frequently change their direction, possibly creating loud noise under water," he said. "This may distress the whale, making it more likely to get hit by the boats."