The Government gazetted today (December 31) the draft map of the proposed South Lantau Marine Park (SLMP) for public inspection within 60 days starting from today.
 
     To better protect marine lives and their habitats, the Government has proposed to designate the SLMP in the waters south of Lantau. A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the proposed SLMP will be located in the waters surrounding the Soko Islands and between the Soko Islands and Shek Kwu Chau in the south of Lantau, with a total area of about 2 067 hectares.
 
     The spokesman said, "The waters south of Lantau are important habitats for the Chinese white dolphin, the finless porpoise and other marine life. After the designation of the SLMP, the area of protected marine habitats will be significantly increased, which will be conducive to maintaining the marine biodiversity and its sustainability. It can bring great benefits to the conservation of the Chinese white dolphin, the finless porpoise and other marine resources in the long run."
 
     The draft map of the proposed SLMP has been prepared by the Country and Marine Parks Authority in accordance with the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476). Copies of the draft map are ready for public inspection free of charge on or before February 28 next year at the designated government offices during office hours. Relevant details are available on the AFCD's website: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_wha/mp_sl_draftmap.html.

     "Any person who intends to oppose the draft map may, within the period of 60 days after the notice is published in the Gazette, submit a written statement of objection, stating the nature of and reasons for the objection, and proposed alterations to the draft map, if any, to the Authority at the headquarters of the AFCD," the spokesman said.
 
     Copies of the draft map are also available for sale to the public at $55 each at the AFCD headquarters.

Ends/Thursday, December 31, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:20

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