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Progress of cleaning up plastic pellets scattered on beaches, at sea and in fish culture zones
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     A Government spokesman said today (October 22) that the Government has been closely monitoring the situation of plastic pellets scattered on beaches, at sea and in fish culture zones, and the relevant departments will take timely follow-up action when reports of plastic pellets are received.

     Since the dedicated hotline to receive reports of plastic pellets started operation on September 13, the Government has received eight such reports. The reported locations were at Tung Wan and Kwun Yum Wan in Cheung Chau; Shek Pai Wan on Lamma Island and Sai Wan in Sai Kung. The reports were referred to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) according to their respective purviews. The clean-up operations at the above locations have been completed. Up to now, the number of plastic pellets collected is as follows:

     Tung Wan and Kwun Yum Wan, Cheung Chau: 0.1 kg of pellets;
     Shek Pai Wan, Lamma Island: 34 kg of pellets; and
     Sai Wan, Sai Kung: 13 kg of pellets.

     "We will continue to monitor closely the reports received, and suitably deploy manpower having regard to the distribution and collection situation. This week the Marine Police and the Government Flying Service will conduct a survey of the coastlines and outlying islands to look for plastic pellets. The LCSD and AFCD will undertake the surveillance of the beaches under their respective purviews, while the Marine Department will undertake similar surveillance of the sea. They will take follow-up action if plastic pellets are found," the spokesman added.

     Should members of the public spot any plastic pellets, they may call the Government hotline 3142 2288 which was specifically set up to receive such reports. Departments concerned will take timely follow-up action.

     The spokesman said, "The incident demonstrates that both the Government and the community attach great importance to environmental protection. Through our concerted efforts, we will keep the incident's impact to a minimum."

Ends/Monday, October 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:51

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