Thien Thanh Ong

Language of Study: Chinese (Mandarin), Comparative Cultural Studies

Subject major: Environmental Science

Country of Study: China

Host University: Shantou University

Title of Work:

Chinese White Dolphin and the Nutritional Quality of Its Prey Fishes

Abstract:

This project looks into the Chinese white dolphin's diet by studying the nutritional makeup of its prey fish using chemical analysis. We measured the energy density of the dolphin’s diet and analyzed important nutrients in the fish it feeds on, such as amino acids, fatty acids, crude protein, fat, vitamins, and moisture content. By comparing the nutritional values of different prey species, we hope to learn more about the dolphin’s feeding habits and whether these habits are changing over time. Understanding what and how these dolphins eat can tell us a lot about their overall health and the condition of their environment. The results from this study will provide useful information for future research and conservation work, helping scientists and wildlife managers better protect the Chinese white dolphin and support its long-term survival in southern China.

Title of Work (Global Language):

中华白海豚及其猎物鱼类的营养质量

Elevator Pitch Video

Elevator Pitch Transcript:

00:00:01.250 --> 00:00:08.569

Hello, my name is Thien Thanh Ong, and this is my elevator pitch video for the IGP Summit 2025.

00:00:08.770 --> 00:00:20.629

So, who am I? 我是谁？ So I have two majors, Environmental Science with an emphasis in Biology, and Comparative Culture Studies, with an emphasis in Asian studies.

00:00:24.220 --> 00:00:31.350

I studied abroad in Shantou, China, so I studied at Shantou University, or 汕头大学.

00:00:31.790 --> 00:00:42.259

Thien Thanh Teagan Ong: I learned Mandarin Chinese in order to go, and I was really happy to have the experience to immerse myself in the culture.

00:00:42.410 --> 00:00:45.429

So, what was my experience in China?

00:00:45.660 --> 00:00:49.920

我的经验怎么样？

00:00:50.860 --> 00:01:03.789

I had a really great time in China, and I was able to try different foods, and travel, and see new different, things, and I had such a great time.

00:01:03.790 --> 00:01:15.290

Just like getting milk tea and meeting new friends and just learning about the overall culture and practicing my Chinese was a big help. I had a really great time.

00:01:18.410 --> 00:01:30.880

The second semester at 汕头大学, or Shantou University, I was part of an internship that looked at the Chinese white dolphin and the nutritional quality of its prey fishes.

00:01:30.930 --> 00:01:45.270

Thien Thanh Teagan Ong: And basically, what we did was we used chemical methods to look at, the prey fishes, and basically what the prey fishes were made up of, so to analyze its nutritional content, so things like vitamins, crude ash,

00:01:45.300 --> 00:01:53.359

fatty acids, fat, and what we did was we weighed and dissected the fishes

00:01:53.360 --> 00:02:08.119

and we removed the stomach contents, and the stomach contents were sent in for lab testing, and we were able to get the results to do DNA metabarcoding, and through that, we were able to gain a better understanding of the prey fish's diet.

00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:25.649

And as a result, the Chinese white dolphins' diet. And this is a really important thing because we wanted to look at the Chinese white dolphin and use this research to better understand what they're eating. That way, we can use this research towards conservation efforts

00:02:25.650 --> 00:02:31.040

Especially since the Chinese white dolphin is listed as “vulnerable” with the IUCN.

00:02:31.040 --> 00:02:40.459

And it was important that we gain this research, so that we can use it as a basis for future research, and as

00:02:40.480 --> 00:02:46.110

A basis for conservation work with the Chinese white dolphin.

00:02:46.520 --> 00:02:49.629

Thank you so much, 谢谢.

Digital Poster

IGPSummit2025_Poster_Chinese_Ong.pdf