THE RESULTS
We did it!! And what a huge success it was. We spent over 26 hours on the water, accumulated a total of 98.9km paddling and raised a whopping HK$125,000! The challenge was certainly that; tough, physically and mentally, but so worth it. The things we encountered along the way were massively eye-opening and heartbreaking but the support we received from the community was overwhelming and kept us going throughout the whole week.
Throughout the week, along with our support team, we did some investigating:
1. How many trash sites would we come across?
2. What would the water conditions be like around the island?
3. Are there any more of the elusive pink dolphins still swimming in our waters? And if so, where?
Check out our findings below...
THE TRASH SITES
During the challenge, the team recorded 106 major trash sites! And that was only the ones that we could access and see from the water. Check out our interactive map below of all the sites detailing what type of rubbish was at each site, how large the sites were and what percentage of the areas were impacted, all with photos.
Key for size of area impacted:
Small - less than half the length a football (soccer) pitch
Medium - more than half the length a football pitch
Large - more than the length a football pitch
Very Large - more than 2 times the length a football pitch
WATER SAMPLES
We took 15 samples of the water at various points around Lantau Island. DBIS secondary students took these samples and put them to the test and those of you with a scientific eye can read and analyse those results here:
DOLPHIN SIGHTINGS
Throughout the week we were lucky enough to spot 2 different pink dolphins! And what beautiful creatures they were. With our resident expert, Lindsay Porter, on board she told us that one of them hadn't been officially named yet and so the job was bestowed upon us and the DB community. Introducing...Paddle!
Recordings from the hydrophone that we carried with us recorded activities of dolphins and finless porpoise at the following locations:
Interestingly, these mammals have never been spotted so far round the south side of the island before as they use to inhabit the north, where we actually saw and recorded nothing. So, what does this mean? Well it's amazing that they still exist and are swimming in our waters, however speculation has it that the airport (built approx. 20 years ago) and the current development of the Hong Kong - Macau bridge has forced the dolphins out of their home to arguably quieter and safer waters further south of Lantau. However, their problems aren't over yet; their relocation has put them into the dangerous path of the high speed Macau ferries.
WHAT NEXT?
As we said before, the support we received from the community throughout that week was simply incredible and it showed us that we're not alone in this quest to help look after our planet and that there are like minded people around us who are just as passionate as us to do their bit to look after the future of our home.
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However, the planet's problems cannot be solved in a week by one charity challenge, and this has only got us thinking, "what next?" and "where do we go from here?" We need to keep this passion alive and we need to make sure that this is only the beginning in getting people pushing this movement forward.