TEAMWORK HELPS PROTECT GIANTS OF THE DEEP

Dedicated researchers perform vital work to safeguard sperm whales

In many ways, Li Songhai is the direct opposite of Captain Ahab, the vengeful captain in Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick.

Unlike Ahab, who was obsessed with hunting a giant white sperm whale, Li is outgoing, optimistic and dedicated to studying and protecting these creatures in the South China Sea.

A researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Li leads one of the nation's deep-sea marine mammal research teams. He said the team comprises about 20 people who are "physically, mentally and spiritually tested" by the harsh conditions for oceanic expeditions in the South China Sea.