Press Release

 

 

LC:"Preserving natural resources and developing leisure agriculture and fishery trades" motion

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The following is the translation of the speech by the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, in response to the motion debate on "Preserving natural resources and developing leisure agriculture and fishery trades" at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Madam President,

I would like to thank the Hon. WONG Yung-kan and other Honourable Members for their valuable opinions. It is a long-standing Government policy to "preserve natural resources", which is also an important condition for the sustainable development of the agriculture and fisheries industries. Therefore, the Administration has actively put in place a number of measures to implement this policy.

First of all, in 1996 the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) started a project of placing artificial reefs in Hong Kong waters at a cost of some $100 million. The artificial reefs encourage the growth and development of marine organisms, and provide food, protection and shelter for juvenile fish, thereby improving their chances of survival to maturity. The project is implemented in two phases, with placement of artificial reefs in marine parks and other suitable locations. Phase I of the project has been completed. AFCD has deployed redundant vessels and tyres as artificial reefs in the Hoi Ha Wan and the Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks. According to initial survey and investigation, AFCD has recorded over 100 fish species, including juveniles of high value fish, and a diversity of marine life in these areas. AFCD is planning to implement Phase II of the project at Port Shelter and Tap Mun in 2001. They will continue to discuss with the fishermen about the detailed implementation plan.

In addition, AFCD is consulting the Working Group on Fisheries Management on the formulation and implementation of the fisheries resources management strategy. Members of the Working Group include representatives from the fishing industry, green groups and academics. Proposed management measures include the introduction of a fishing licence system, the establishment of "fish spawning and nursery protection areas" in Tolo Harbour and Port Shelter, and the aforementioned artificial reef placement project. We propose that fishing activities should be restricted within these protection areas and all fishing vessels would be required to obtain a licence from AFCD in order to fish. Moreover, fishing practices which have an adverse impact on the fisheries resources in the inshore waters, such as trawling, would be prohibited. These management measures would help to conserve fisheries resources. AFCD will thoroughly consult the fishermen associations and consider their views before implementing these measures.

In response to fishermen's request, AFCD plans to implement a pilot scheme this year for restocking fish fry in the marine exclusion zone near the Chap Lap Kok Airport, where fishing activities are already prohibited. AFCD will examine such implementation details as the best time, environment and fish species for this purpose. The information obtained will help AFCD to assess the cost effectiveness of restocking fish fry in the "fish spawning and nursery protection areas". Moreover, the Administration implements the Marine Park Programme to conserve the marine environment and natural resources of significant ecological value. At present, we have designated three marine parks and a marine reserve. The Programme has successfully conserved precious marine and fish species. We will therefore expand this Programme by designating the fourth marine park in East Ping Chau in 2000/2001.

Apart from the aforementioned measures, the Administration has also enacted legislation to conserve natural resources. To enhance the deterrent effects against destructive fishing activities, we have amended the Fisheries Protection Ordinance to significantly increase the maximum penalty for such activities from $10,000 to $200,000. We have also made legal provisions to prohibit electric fishing and the use of other destructive fishing appliances for fishing purposes.

We also place importance on improving water quality and creating a suitable marine environment conducive to conservation of fisheries resources. At present, all the waters in Hong Kong are declared Water Control Zones under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. Effluents are subject to stringent control which requires proper treatment to the stipulated standards before discharge into these Zones, with a view to protecting the water quality and marine ecosystems from pollution.

In addition, the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance stipulates that environmental impact assessment should be carried out before the implementation of the designated projects. This includes assessment of the impacts of these projects on fisheries resources and marine ecosystems and implementation of proper mitigation measures to ensure that adverse impacts, if any, would be minimized.

On the agriculture front, the Administration has reserved land for agricultural development through zoning suitable land for agricultural use. The Planning Department will take enforcement actions to combat unauthorized use of agricultural land for other purposes.

Apart from conservation of natural resources, AFCD has been promoting the development of agriculture and fisheries industries through a number of support services to help them to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The services include the provision of infrastructure, technical guidance, low-interest loans etc. AFCD has, through its experimental farms, veterinary laboratory and fisheries stations, conducted researches relating to agriculture and fisheries and introduced the use of new technology to the industries. In addition, AFCD has established a specialised division to strengthen efforts in aquaculture research and expand fish health management service with a view to minimizing losses due to fish diseases.

Moreover, to increase the yields of agricultural land, AFCD is planning to construct greenhouses suitable for the climate of Hong Kong. It is also working with local organic farms and the associations concerned with a view to devising appropriate measures to assist local farmers in converting to organic farming. AFCD will help them to review the marketing potential of organic produce.

As regards the development of green tourism, we will construct an International Wetland Park and Visitor Centre (IWP) in the most important wildlife conservation area of the territory, namely Mai Po Marshes and Inner Deep Bay. The IWP will serve as an education, natural conservation and recreation facility, featuring indoor and outdoor exhibitions, bird hides, trails and ancillary facilities.

In addition, the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) produced a comprehensive and user-friendly guidebook entitled "Exploring Hong Kong's Countryside - a Visitor's Companion" in October last year to introduce our admirable countryside to both overseas tourists and local residents, and promote the conservation of the beautiful nature of Hong Kong. To give green tourism a further boost, the HKTA will shortly publish promotional leaflets and organize green tourism training courses for local tour guides. It will also encourage travel agents to arrange overseas hiking tours to Hong Kong.

We will continue to vigorously implement measures to facilitate the sustainable development of agriculture and fisheries and help the industries to meet new challenges, so that they may continue to provide fresh and quality fresh food produce to the public.

The proposed establishment of leisure agriculture and fisheries area carries wide implications. We need to look into the proposal in greater detail together with other bureaux and departments and consider the views of various parties, including the different opinions from the agriculture and fisheries sectors, before making a decision.

I would like to reiterate that the Administration will keep up its efforts in preserving natural resources and promoting the sustainable development of the agriculture and fisheries industries. We will also carefully consider the views expressed by Members and various parties in respect of developing leisure agriculture and fishery as well as green and marine tourism.

Thank you. Madam President.

End/Wednesday, February 16, 2000

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