Fresh Off the Boat

What's good, everybody!

Let me just quickly introduce myself: I'm HKDCS' newest intern, Justin! I'm from Hong Kong but I am currently studying mathematics and computer science in University of California, Berkeley. One might say that my field of study is completely unrelated to marine biology, let alone dolphins. One might even ask what my porpoise (pun intended) for doing this internship is.

I'm doing this internship mostly out of self-interest and in order to get a taste of the gruelling field of research. Though this project is mostly about environmental conservation and marine biology, as an aspiring academic, I think and know that this internship will no doubt show me how researchers work and how to conduct successful research. Moreover, the mathematical concepts I have learnt in school made me wonder if I can apply some of those methods and concepts into the field of cetaceans, specifically the Hong Kong dolphins and porpoises.

As a Hong Kong local, I am quite aware of the ongoing reclamation and the recent Link Road project. Hearing concerns about the effects of such projects on the coastal ecology of Hong Kong, I believe that it is crucial for us humans to assess the impacts of our actions if we want to conserve the environment. By joining this internship, I hope to help develop the growing field of conservation in Hong Kong.

I've been interning at HKDCS for almost a month now. Although both sea and land-based surveys are quite strenuous, I have been learning a lot shadowing under the staff here. With the literature Samuel provides in the office, I learned how line transect gathers information regarding distribution, abundance and habitat use while theodolite tracking is mostly used for tracking the movement of dolphins in relation to surrounding disturbances.

In fact, the first dolphin I saw during this internship was when we were conducting land-based survey in Sha Chau. The four of them were traveling together and I was surprised by their cohesiveness as a group. Their shapes and appearance were very spectacular, but what amazed me was how they socialize together and act as some kind of family most of the time. After that day, it became a lot easier to spot and observe dolphins. And the more I watch them, the more I admire their diverse behaviour.

While conducting these surveys, the staff here at HKDCS are always helpful and would gladly answer any of my questions to help me learn. Shadowing and keeping up with them is not an easy task. But over the past few weeks, I think I've gotten at least a little bit better. As I continue this internship, I'll no doubt utilize what they've taught me and try my best to help conserve the vast cetacean world of Hong Kong!

That's it for now!

Justin

All you'll ever need.

First month at HKDCS!

Hello Everyone!

            My name is Danielle and I am one of the new interns here at HKDCS! My internship here in Hong Kong will help give me the credit I need to complete my Master’s degree in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) back at home in Montreal, Canada. I decided to apply for this internship as it perfectly integrates my passion for marine mammals with my academic interest in the EIA process. Here in HK there are so many on-going coastal development projects that it is amazing the dolphins and porpoises can survive in this environment. With all this development, it is imperative that the EIA system is applied properly in order to protect their habitat and conserve their populations.

            I’ve been here for approximately one month so far and I am amazed with how much I’ve learned in that short amount of time! I’ve learned how line-transect surveys are done in relation to cetacean research, how theodolite technology can be applied to track dolphins and their behavior, and finally I’ve learned about the different sorts of human disturbances that are currently threatening these cetaceans. Every day I learn something different, so it keeps the work very stimulating and very exciting!

            The first time I spotted a dolphin was actually on my very first boat outing! I was amazed by their beauty and also by their size! The first time I saw a mother-calf pair was also quite special – it’s heart-warming how the calf stays so close to his mother! Finally, the elusive finless porpoise is always so exciting to spot. I haven’t yet had a very good sighting of one (just a quick glimpse) so I’m very excited to go back out on a porpoise survey!

            Although, there is so much beauty here with these amazing creatures there are also many human disturbances that are affecting them as well. The day I saw a dead calf was a very sad day indeed! It was also very scary when I saw a dolphin inside a fishing net! Luckily he managed to find a way out and escaped!

            As beautiful as these creatures are they definitely need our help in face of all the threats they deal with. Interning here at the HKDCS has taught me so much and has given me a huge appreciation for conservation scientists. The staff here who work at HKDCS are wonderful people who really care a lot about cetaceans! I feel immensely lucky to not only be working with the dolphins and porpoises this summer, but also the great staff here at HKDCS as well!

            As I learn more and more this summer I’ll be sure to write again and update you all on the amazing experiences!

That’s it for now,

Danielle