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The licences of three mariculture rafts at Kau Sai fish culture zone in Sai Kung were cancelled by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 1) for breaching the Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences. The structures on these rafts exceeded the permitted area and on two of the rafts they were used for purposes not related to mariculture activities.
An AFCD spokesman said, "According to the Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences, the construction of sheds and easily removable canopies on mariculture rafts is permitted. The sheds are intended only for keeping watch or storage of machinery and equipment for mariculture use. The permitted area of such structures is set out in the licence.
"Staff of the AFCD found in an inspection in May 2015 that the area of the structures on the three rafts concerned ranged from some 18 square metres to 134 square metres, exceeding the permitted area which ranges from 14 to 18 square metres. The structures on two rafts were used for purposes not related to mariculture.
"Several warning letters have been issued to the licensees requesting the removal of the unpermitted structures and rectification of other violations. Although some of the building components have been removed, the structures remained there and the areas involved have not been reduced to comply with the requirements under the licences. The AFCD therefore cancelled the licences of the rafts concerned."
According to the Marine Fish Culture Regulations, no licensee shall erect or permit to be erected any structure on a raft except with the written permission of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, who shall specify in the permission the dimensions of the structure permitted and any conditions to which the permission is subject.
The spokesman added, "Marine Fish Culture Licence holders and operators of mariculture rafts are reminded to conduct their business in compliance with the relevant laws and conditions. Contravention of the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance, Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences may be subject to prosecution and cancellation of licence."
To report suspected irregularities, the public can notify the AFCD by calling 1823.
Ends/Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:31
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