Finless porpoises appear in Yangtze River, indicating improving health of ecosystem

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) has recently seen signs that its conservation efforts in the Yangtze River have been effective.

A swarm of finless porpoises have been circling in the Zhenjiangge area of the Yichang Section of the Yangtze River. Finless porpoise, known as “the spirit of the Yangtze River,” is unique to the Yangtze River and listed among China’s national first-class protected animals.

Finless porpoise is the flagship species of the ecosystem of the Yangtze River as well as a critical indicator of the health of the river’s eco-environment. Their frequent appearances demonstrate the effectiveness of conservation initiatives carried out in the Yichang section of the Yangtze River.

From July 1 this year, a 10-year fishing ban has been in effect in the Yichang section in a bid to restore the river’s eco-environment. The presence of finless porpoises reflects that the conservation initiatives carriedout in the region are proving successful in protecting the environment.