China announces dolphin protection, study

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BEIJING, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- China says is has set up a research institution in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to protect rare endangered Chinese white dolphins

The Guangxi Beibu Gulf Chinese White Dolphins Research Institute was jointly established Tuesday by the regional department of science and technology and the Institute of Oceanography of the State Oceanic Administration, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Sometimes called China's "maritime panda," the iconic white dolphin is the most endangered marine animal and is given state protection in China.

The Sanniang Gulf of Guangxi has been dubbed the "hometown of Chinese white dolphins."

White dolphin mainly live in the seas off South China and in the Pearl River estuary.

The Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences estimates that about 2,000 of the dolphins are living in China's waters.