Star Chinese white dolphin Da Bai is seen swimming with her calf in Xiamen in 2020.  [Photo/China Daily]

Local paddleboarders, open-water swimmers and wildlife photographers in Xiamen have voluntarily established a grassroots monitoring network, capturing footage during unplanned encounters to support scientific research.

Chen Yu, a local open-water swimmer and photographer who has been tracking the species via aerial drone in recent years, said that public engagement is deeply rooted in local tradition. The dolphins are traditionally called "Mazu fish" after the sea goddess, and are regarded by residents as guardians of the waters.

"Since childhood, we have been told by our elders that the waters are safe wherever the white dolphins appear," Chen said. "For local residents, these animals are seen as traditional protectors of the sea."

These photographic sightings provide critical data for marine biologists. Images documenting maternal behaviors, such as a mother lifting her calf to breathe or teaching it to hunt, assist researchers in managing a digital profiling system that tracks family dynamics and newborn calves.

In April, an aerial drone photographer captured footage of a newborn calf swimming closely alongside Da Bai, a well-documented wild female dolphin frequently seen nursing newborns in Xiamen's waters.

"When we photograph a dolphin year after year and see it is still there, we know it is growing up healthy and strong," Chen said. "Every encounter still makes me feel incredibly lucky."

Marine experts have introduced a science-based maritime code of conduct, instructing water sports enthusiasts and photographers to maintain a respectful distance instead of chasing the animals.

Lin Yuan, a local middle school teacher who is a paddleboarder, regularly records her encounters with the animals in the sea to use as educational materials in her classroom.

"I bring my own dolphin encounter videos to share with my students," Lin said. "We must cultivate an awareness of biodiversity conservation in children so they can continue to see these marine creatures in their local environment in the future."