The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) on Sunday said a tote bag was found inside a whale, which died earlier in the day.

The whale had become stranded in shallow waters near Tai O.

The bag, measuring 88 by 52 centimetres, was found in the whale's digestive system during a necropsy conducted by vets from Ocean Park, alongside AFCD officials.

The preliminary results of the necropsy pointed to it being a male beaked whale of six-to-seven metres in length.

Taison Chang is the chairman of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society. He says the tote bag could have played a role in the whale's death.

"The size of the bag is quite large. It is likely to cause malnutrition over time, as it is difficult for the whale to eat other things. This is likely one of the reasons for it being so weak, leading to its accidental entry into Hong Kong waters and ultimate stranding," he said.

The AFCD says the whale showed signs of injury, which could have been sustained when it became stranded.

The cause of death and the exact species of the whale are yet to be confirmed.

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Last updated: 2024-12-01 HKT 23:15