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In response to media enquiries, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said today (July 11)it was illegal to hunt sharks in marine parks.
A department spokesman said sharks, being a top predator, were part of the ecological system. People should respect the existence of sharks and not try to hunt them.
ˇ§As far as the marine parks are concerned, unauthorised fishing activities or hunting of animals are strictly prohibited. It is also dangerous to do so,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
ˇ§For their own safety, visitors should avoid any close encounters with sharks, not even by watching them on a boat.ˇ¨
The department has liaised with local diving associations to disseminate these messages.
There have been sightings of juvenile sharks in the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in the last couple of days. Today, sightings of three juvenile sharks, from two to four feet, near the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Life Centre were recorded between 3pm and 5pm.
The department has continued to advising the public against conducting water-based activities in the park.
Ends/Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:05
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