No.27 Japanese Finless Porpoise[English version]
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Visitors to Kaikyokan can now watch one of the most endangered species of cetacean found in Japanese waters, the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), or SUNAMERI as itﾕs known in Japan. |
Finless porpoises are found in shallow coastal waters ranging from the Persian Gulf to China, Korea and Japan Their endangered status has occurred as a result of a high number of bi-catch fatalities in fishing gear, development of coastal waters throughout their range, various forms of pollution created by human activities and diminished fish stocks in areas where they live.
In the South Western region of Yamaguchi and Northern Kyushu area, mortalities from fisheries bi-catch are common, with Kaikyokan responding to sunameri fatalities almost every month of the year.
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| Our porpoise at Kaikyokan was also the subject of an incidental bi-catch in May 2001. However, he was lucky as the gill net in which he was trapped was set in shallow water less than 3 meters deep and was light enough for him to surface with and breath. When he was rescued from the net, he was extremely exhausted and would have soon drowned had the net owner not called us to assist the porpoise while it was still alive. |
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After several months of intensive care, treating the porpoiseﾕs wounds and ensuring he maintained his body weight during the rehabilitation, he finally began to eat, swim and behave normally for us to feel confident that he had overcome the experience.
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| Today, our Sunameri can be seen on the second floor level of Kaikyokan, through a large acrylic window, that allows visitors a clear uninterrupted view into the pool. To our surprise, the porpoise spends much of his time looking back at the people passing by; so donﾕt be surprised if he appears to be looking back at you. |
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| As part of our enrichment programs with all marine mammals at Kaikyokan, the porpoise undergoes regular daily contact and interaction with our staff. This contact includes a training program that will help him to overcome his natural fear of anything he doesnﾕt understand. |
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We have begun using many different toys for him to learn about, touch and use. A diver is in the pool every two (2) days cleaning and interacting with him underwater. Our training goals include teaching him to wear silicon eyecups and use his sonar for retrieving objects and navigating around the pool. These sonar emissions will also be recorded for future study. |
Throughout Asia finless porpoises need public support and help so they do not become extant from their diminishing habitats. In Japan, the plight of finless porpoises is no exception and many Aquariums are working together in many ways to help this species. Stranded or injured porpoises are frequently assisted and there are population studies in progress through out Japan. At Kaikyokan, we hope to learn and understand more about the behavior of finless porpoises, including their breeding, communication and natural capabilities.
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