On the gentle swells of the sea, Liang Zeye stands poised at the edge of his boat, lips pursed to emit his signature whistle, a call he has employed countless times to beckon the finless porpoises of the East Asian waters. However, this time, the response is silence – a conspicuous absence of the porpoise companions that have become his extended family. A furrow creases his brow, laden with concern and puzzlement.
Liang Zeye, a seasoned 49-year-old once a fisherman by trade, now finds himself a devoted guardian of the enigmatic East Asian finless porpoises. Over a decade ago, he transitioned from chasing catches to nurturing these aquatic wonders. Today, as the sun ascends, Liang embarks on his vessel towards the precincts of Haxian Island in Changhai, a borderland county ensconcing 195 islands off the coast of northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Here, he unfailingly ascertains the well-being of these marine denizens, a ritual deeply aligned with their breeding season, and treats them to a supplemental, nutrient-rich repast.
A nagging thought of adverse weather obscuring his sight casts a shadow on his anticipation. Just then, a familiar form emerges from the waves, slicing through the brine towards him. A glint of recognition illuminates Liang’s eyes as he exclaims, “It’s ‘Little Grey’!” The finless porpoise, christened as such for its distinctive hue, presents itself, a testament to continuity and the bonds formed through years of shared presence.
Last year had been a somber one, marked by the passing of Little Grey’s mother, the first of these creatures Liang had ever encountered. Yet, in the wake of tragedy, an unbreakable connection was forged between Liang and the young porpoise. Little Grey, mourning its maternal loss, clung to Liang’s companionship, imbuing their relationship with a familial essence. As the seasons transitioned, so did Little Grey’s life journey – now nearing four years of age, the porpoise had matured, entered into partnership, and embarked on a new phase of existence.
A kinship that transcended species boundaries had sprouted between Liang and his porpoise companions. He reflects, a smile gracing his lips, “In their joy, I find joy; in their melancholy, I find solace.” Little Grey encapsulates this rapport, embodying the reciprocity that has flourished over the years. This sentiment isn’t unique to Little Grey alone but echoes through the interactions Liang shares with the over 1,000 East Asian finless porpoises he diligently tracks and safeguards. A relentless vigil, spanning more than 70 expeditions annually, bears testimony to Liang’s steadfast dedication.
Presently, the waters resonate with a fervent energy – the breeding season, a pivotal juncture for the survival of the finless porpoise, demands heightened protection. Liang galvanizes the local community, rallying them in a concerted effort to scrutinize fishing apparatus like trotlines and pots that imperil the porpoises’ existence. His vision extends further, encompassing the creation of an artificial reef, an investment to provide a secure haven abundant with sustenance. This ecosystem engineered by human hands aims to replicate the intricacies of nature, ensuring the preservation of these creatures.
The genesis of Liang’s commitment harks back to 1979, a time when a young Liang was initiated into the maritime world by his grandfather. Raised in the embrace of a fishing family on this island expanse, Liang’s connection with the sea and its inhabitants was innate. Fond reminiscences surface as he recalls, “My grandfather acquainted me with the enchanting world of finless porpoises when I was a mere five years old. In those days, these waters teemed with these magnificent creatures, a spectacle beyond compare.”
Yet, the march of time ushered in change. The vibrant populations of finless porpoises began dwindling, victims of a burgeoning demand for marine resources. As decades passed, the porpoises’ presence grew more elusive. It was in 2009 that a glimmer of hope pierced through the gloom. After three decades, Liang’s gaze once again met the gentle arcs of finless porpoises. This serendipitous encounter breathed life into his resolve, igniting a fervor to safeguard these delicate beings.
A transformative shift reshaped Liang’s life trajectory, steering him away from the pursuit of commercial fishing towards a new horizon of marine tourism. A duality emerged, an equilibrium between economic prosperity and ecological preservation. A lease over a 33-hectare maritime domain, frequented by the finless porpoises, cemented his commitment, providing a fortified foundation for their protection.
“The ocean is humanity’s haven, a cornucopia of sustenance,” Liang muses, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and the marine realm. Generations of fishermen, including Liang’s own lineage, had reaped abundantly from the ocean’s offerings. His evolution from a taker to a giver epitomizes a noble evolution – a gesture of gratitude and reciprocity towards the oceanic expanse that has sustained his people.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature bestowed the title of an endangered species upon the East Asian finless porpoise in 2017. These diminutive cetaceans, populating the waters extending from the Taiwan Straits to the northern fringes of the Yellow Sea, assumed an increasingly fragile existence. In parallel, the Changhai County orchestrated an ensemble of conservation measures, from the strategic installation of artificial reefs to the revival of seaweed colonies and vigilant oversight of marine ranching domains. These collective efforts seeded an environment conducive to ecological resurgence.
Within this tapestry of endeavors, Liang’s labor bore fruit. The East Asian finless porpoises have emerged from the shadows of endangerment, their population burgeoning under the caress of rehabilitative interventions. Numbers that stood at a mere 80 in 2017 have burgeoned, eclipsing the 400 mark as the calendar turns to 2023. It’s a narrative of resilience, a reminder of the power of human compassion and collaboration in sculpting a harmonious coexistence with the natural world.
In a realm where the currents of change are in constant flux, Liang Zeye stands as a sentinel, an embodiment of dedication and transformation. With every whistle that punctuates the air, he reaffirms his bond with the East Asian finless porpoises, bridging the gap between species with a melody of shared emotions. His journey, an odyssey of intertwining fates, evokes hope and speaks to the profound connections that can arise when we tread softly and tenderly upon the tapestry of life.
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