Dancing with the whales

Day after day on the sea, the guardians marvel at the magic of creation for countless times, but few would know and feel deeply that their work is hard-earned. Yang Chengteng is at the helm of the joint research group during the scientific expedition, yet he has to worry about his livelihood for the rest of the year. Researchers are tight on funds and carefully plan every cent of their expenses, but they still work tirelessly and insist on long-term offshore operations every day.

Documentary photographers have to steadily manage various shooting equipment in a small boat, and strive for every precious moment without disturbing the whales. For young volunteers, seasickness has become the biggest torment due to the turbulent sea.

In order to protect the Bryde's whale, the local government promulgated the Regulations on Ecological Environment Protection of Weizhou Island in Beihai City in 2018, stipulating that fishing within 6 kilometers of the outlying island is prohibited. At the same time, the fishery administration has stepped up patrols, and people from all walks of life have also called on the public not to engage in whale watching until the condition of the Bryde's whale has been thoroughly and scientifically assessed.