The Zhairuo Mountain Observation Station, located in Dinghai district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, is the first finless porpoise observation station in the East China Sea region and was recently renovated and upgraded.

Since the installation of an intelligent acoustic monitoring system last December, the observation station has recorded over 40 sightings of finless porpoises in the eastern bay area of Zhairuo Mountain, providing crucial data for the research and protection of the East Asian finless porpoise.

Zhoushan launched upgrades on the observation station last year. The new system integrates multiple modules, including acoustic monitoring, video monitoring, and intelligent data analysis.

A finless porpoise-themed mural and sculpture near the Zhairuo Mountain Observation Station. [Photo/Tide News]

The acoustic monitoring system uses underwater acoustic equipment to collect real-time sound signals from the finless porpoises, accurately identifying their location and behavior. When combined with the video monitoring system, it ensures comprehensive and dynamic monitoring of the finless porpoises.

"Data from the original equipment showed that finless porpoises were active around Zhairuo Mountain from April to October. Since the installation of the new monitoring system, the animals have been observed every month," said Gan Manshui, a senior engineer at the Dinghai branch of Zhoushan's natural environment bureau.

Zhairuo Mountain and its surrounding waters are home to 18 species of nationally protected plants and animals, including finless porpoises and small civets.