A pod of over a dozen wild dolphins captivated onlookers this week as they swam freely in nearshore waters off Sanya, Hainan Province. The rare sighting, documented by Wuzhizhou Island staff on February 24, showcased the marine mammals breaching and playing in their natural habitat.
Marine biologists attribute the dolphins' presence to improved conservation efforts and cleaner coastal waters in the region. "This is a promising indicator of ecosystem recovery," said Dr. Li Wei, a Hainan-based marine researcher. "Dolphins only thrive where there's abundant prey and minimal human disturbance."
The sighting coincides with Hainan's ongoing initiatives to balance tourism development with marine protection. Local authorities have recently expanded protected coastal zones while maintaining access for responsible ecotourism activities.
