***********************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (June 20):
Question:
Recently, I have received complaints from fishermen of Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, Ma Wan and Mui Wo, alleging that many fishermen have engaged in fishing activities in inshore waters using methods destructive to the seabed and marine ecology, such as clam dredging. It has been learnt that many countries and territories have already banned such activities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the respective numbers of such complaints received and the prosecutions instituted as a result in each of the past three years; and
(b) whether it will consider strengthening the regulation of the fisheries industry by prohibiting fishermen from using fishing methods destructive to the seabed in inshore waters; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President:
(a) Generally speaking, fishing activities that are destructive to the seabed mainly involve the use of dredging or suction devices. These activities are classified as illegal fishing practices because they have a serious impact on the seabed and the ecology, and will pollute the water. The number of complaints about destructive fishing activities using dredging or suction devices received by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), and the number of prosecutions instituted by the AFCD under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap 171) against such persons in each of the past three years are shown in the Annex.
(b) At present, the Fisheries Protection Ordinance prohibits any person from engaging in destructive fishing activities, including the use of electricity, explosives, toxic substances, and dredging or suction devices for the purpose of fishing. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction. The AFCD and other departments concerned will further step up patrols and enforcement actions, and will conduct joint operations when necessary to combat these destructive fishing activities.
Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:35
NNNN
