Study

The rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a stranded finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides sunameri) at Bohai Bay of China

  • Published source details Yu J., Sun Y. & Xia Z. (2009) The rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a stranded finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides sunameri) at Bohai Bay of China. Aquatic Mammals, 35, 220-225.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

    A study in 2008 of a pelagic area in Bohai Bay, China (Yu et al. 2009) found that a stranded west Pacific finless porpoise Neophocaena phocaenoides sunameri was successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The stranded female porpoise was successfully released back into the wild after two months of rehabilitation. Survival after release was not reported. The porpoise was found stranded, dehydrated and infected with parasitic flatworms (Nasilrema spp. and Zalophotrema hepaticum) in March 2008.  She was transported to an aquarium and placed in a medical pool (6 x 3 x 1 m, 1,500 l artificial saltwater) and given minced herring and shrimp (0.5–1.5 kg/day), vitamin powders, fluids, electrolytes and antibiotics. Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia and nitrite) were monitored daily within the pool. After two months of rehabilitation, the porpoise was released 18.5 km offshore in shallow waters in June 2008.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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