Dedicated family provides safety net for protected dolphins
Years of efforts ensure local porpoise population sheltered from human activities
Over the past 20 years, the Qinzhou government has designated white dolphins as a representative species for ecological protection, advocating a policy of the safe "coexistence of white dolphins with industry". This approach ensures the protection of the dolphins' living space amid urban development.
On the western side of Sanniang Bay, Qinzhou built Sandun Road which stretches into the sea for over 10 kilometers, showcasing the city's determination to protect the white dolphins. The barrier allows the dolphins to have a safer, cleaner and undisturbed habitat.
"If you stand at the end of Sandun Road and look westward, you'll see a large industrial area and port, with automated container operations, pipelines and more. For those who love this city, it's very astonishing to see the changes in Qinzhou Port over the past decade, and the economic development is encouraging," Zhao said.
"Looking eastward, however, you'll see a very quiet sea area. Beneath the calm surface, various forms of marine life, including Chinese white dolphins, inhabit the waters. This area represents Qinzhou's commitment to protecting the ecosystem and the freedom of survival for the local marine life.
"The true separation of industrial pollution and ecological protection is not just a road but a mindset. The ecological bottom line represented by Sandun Road has preserved a clean environment for the white dolphins and other local marine life," Zhao said.
