Hong Kong

Only 27 White Dolphins left in Hong Kong

Only 37 Chinese white dolphins remain in Hong Kong, according to the latest statistics from Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The species is protected in Hong Kong by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).  Nonetheless, the number of dolphins in Hong Kong has declined as much as 80 percent over the last 15 years, according to conservation groups such as the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society.

HMS Tamar at Malta, ca 1882
HMS Tamar at Malta, ca 1882

Shipwreck in Hong Kong presumed to be famed warship HMS Tamar

HMS Tamar was a 4,600 tons displacement sail and steam-powered Royal Navy troopship launched in Britain in 1863. She served as a supply ship from 1897 to 1941 and gave her name to the shore station HMS Tamar in Hong Kong (1897 to 1997).

In 1897 Tamar was hulked as a base ship and used as the Hong Kong receiving ship and served as the 'name' ship for R.N. headquarters until it was replaced by the shore station, which was named HMS Tamar, after the ship.

Hong Kong bans shark fin at official functions

In a move hailed by conservation groups, Hong Kong's government announced it would cease serving shark fin and bluefin tuna at official functions. In a press release, the government announced it was taking steps because the items "have aroused international and local concern because they are either captured or harvested in ecologically unfriendly or unsustainable ways, or cause other conservation concerns". It has also encouraged government-funded bodies to follow suit.