Group of Chinese white dolphins spotted in waters off China's Hainan

This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows a Chinese white dolphin in waters off south China's Hainan province. During a special investigation in waters southwest of the island province of Hainan, a research team with the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences spotted a group of Chinese white dolphins, with an estimated number of about 30 to 50.

This sighting recorded a relatively large number of this species in the area in recent years. Chinese white dolphins typically move in small group of fewer than 10, making this sighting a rare occurrence.

Highly sensitive to marine water quality, the Chinese white dolphin, an endangered species under first-class national protection in China, is also viewed as a health indicator of the ecosystem they live in. (Xinhua)