Anglers wishing to indulge their hobby in local reservoirs during the coming fishing season must apply for a licence from the Water Supplies Department (WSD).

The licence will be valid for three years and the licence fee will remain at $24. Reservoirs are open for fishing from September 1 of each year to March 31 of the following year.

Applications can be made at the department's customer enquiry centres during office hours at the following addresses :

* First floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong;

* Ground floor, Perfect Mount Gardens, Po Man Street, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong;

* Ground floor, 128 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon; and

* First floor, WSD Kowloon East Regional Building, 65 Wai Yip Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon.

Applicants are required to produce their identity cards and pay the licence fee. A licence will normally be issued immediately.

Applications can also be made by post to the department's headquarters on the 48th floor, Immigration Tower, with the applicant's name, address, a photocopy of his identity card and a crossed cheque for $24 payable to the "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region". The photocopy of the identity card will be destroyed immediately after verification of applicant's identity.

The licence will then be mailed to the applicant. No licence will be issued to residents under the age of 13.

Anglers have to observe certain rules while fishing in reservoirs. They should not use a net or tools other than rods and lines. Explosives and toxic substances are prohibited, as are boats, dinghies and rafts.

End/Sunday, August 5, 2001

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