THE Shenzhen Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau will set up a temporary control zone to protect an Eden’s whale, affectionally known to Shenzhen residents as “Xiaobu,” before the fishing ban is lifted.

Compiled plans have been published to solicit public opinions, Shenzhen Economic Daily reported.

According to the bureau, local authorities, though not in a position to adjust the fishing ban period set by the national agricultural authority to protect wild aquatic animals, can establish a temporary fishing ban zone or special protection area that is off-limits to fishing boats.

Dapeng Bay’s fishing ban period is from May to mid-August every year.

Since “Xiaobu” was first spotted foraging in the sea area off Dapeng on June 29, the bureau’s marine comprehensive law enforcement team has strengthened patrol on seawaters and formed a special group to keep an eye on “Xiaobu” by drafting out daily escort plans.

The group also maintains order at sea, dissuades unrelated vessels and quickly organizes cleanup campaigns to clear discarded and broken fishing nets from the waters around “Xiaobu.”

Related authorities have conducted drills and worked on emergency plans in case “Xiaobu” gets stranded, even though experts have said the risk of the whale being stranded is low at present.

Since “Xiaobu” was first spotted in Dapeng over a month ago, the marine comprehensive law enforcement team has dispatched 152 boats and 517 personnel to order 38 vessels of all kinds to leave certain waters and cleaned up illegal fishing nets extending 1,100 meters, ensuring the safety of the whale in the sea, said related staff. 

(Wang Jingli)