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Following is a question by the Hon Ng Leung-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (June 25) :

Question:

It has been reported that benthic corals and other precious benthos were recently suspected to have been captured illegally from the eastern waters of Hong Kong and transported to the Mainland for sale. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether the benthic resources of the above waters have been captured illegally or damaged; if so, of the details;

(b) of the legislation or measures in place to protect such resources from being captured illegally;

(c) whether it has cooperated with the relevant authorities in the Mainland to combat the illegal capturing and selling of precious marine resources; if so, of the details and whether such cooperation will be strengthened; and

(d) of the ways to enhance public awareness of marine ecosystem conservation?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) According to diving surveys carried out by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) earlier this month at the locations concerned, including the Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and the coastal waters of Port Island, there were no signs of corals having been removed. The only irregularity spotted was a few corals in the shallow waters of Tung Ping Chau having been overturned. AFCD believes that those corals might have been accidentally knocked over by boats during low tides. The diving surveyors have already reinstated the corals. The Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.

(b) Marine parks are designated under the Marine Parks Ordinance for protecting the valuable marine resources, including important coral communities, within Hong Kong waters. We have so far designated three marine parks in the eastern waters of Hong Kong, viz. Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park. Except for fishing by bona-fide fishermen holding valid permits issued by AFCD, hunting or removing any animals or plants from marine parks is an offence under the Marine Parks Ordinance. Moreover, many coral species, including stony corals commonly found in Hong Kong waters, are endangered species listed under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. The import, export and possession of those species are subject to licensing controls under the Ordinance.

AFCD carries out regular patrols and takes enforcement actions under the two Ordinances mentioned above. The Department has also sought the support of the diving community in protecting the marine environment by reporting to AFCD or the Marine Police any illegal capture activities spotted in Hong Kong waters.

(c) AFCD maintains regular liaison with the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Oceans and Fisheries (GBOF) to deter Mainland fishermen from fishing or carrying out other illegal activities in the marine parks of Hong Kong. Under the established mechanism, AFCD will report to GBOF the personal particulars of the Mainland fishermen caught for committing offences under the Marine Parks Ordinance. GBOF will conduct investigations and take appropriate enforcement actions against those fishermen. This has proved to be an effective deterrent: AFCD's record shows that Mainland fishermen whose names have been reported to GBOF are rarely found fishing in our marine parks again. AFCD will also discuss with the Mainland authorities about the recent reports on illegal capturing and selling of precious marine resources and ways to strengthen co-operation with them in tackling any such activities.

(d) AFCD organizes educational and publicity activities, including public lectures, seminars and exhibitions, from time to time to enhance public understanding of the importance of protecting the marine environment of Hong Kong. Publicity materials, including leaflets and booklets, are also distributed to the public for this purpose. Moreover, AFCD organises an annual Reef Check to encourage public participation in monitoring the conditions of the corals in Hong Kong waters. The results of the Reef Check are published to raise public awareness and interest in marine conservation.

End/Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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