Water Supplies Department opens reservoirs all year round to anglers
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     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) announced today (April 20) that the fishing period in reservoirs will be relaxed starting tomorrow (April 21), allowing anglers holding valid fishing licences to fish in all reservoirs in Hong Kong throughout the year. 

     Previously, anglers holding valid fishing licences issued by the WSD were generally only allowed to fish in reservoirs during the period from September 1 of each year to March 31 of the following year. In view of the ever-growing public interest in fishing activities, and that reservoirs are one of the most popular fishing spots, the WSD launched in April 2021 a pilot scheme to relax the fishing period in reservoirs, allowing anglers holding valid fishing licences to fish in the Plover Cove Reservoir and the Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs (i.e. the Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, the Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir, the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir and the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir) throughout 2021.

     The WSD commissioned an expert consultant to assess the impact of relaxing the fishing period on the reservoir environment and water quality, and the species and quantities of fish inside the reservoirs during the period of the pilot scheme. The assessment indicated that relaxing the restriction on the fishing period showed no appreciable impact on the reservoir environment and water quality, as well as the species and quantities of fish inside the reservoirs. After reviewing the expert consultant's advice, the WSD is relaxing the fishing period, given that the reliability and safety of the water supply should not be affected, to allow anglers holding valid fishing licences to enjoy the fun of fishing in all Hong Kong reservoirs (i.e. 17 reservoirs and nine irrigation reservoirs) throughout the year. The WSD will continue to closely monitor the water quality by conducting regular examinations of water samples taken at reservoirs to ensure good water quality.

     Anglers wishing to fish in local reservoirs must apply for a licence from the WSD. Applicants aged 13 or above can apply for the licence, which is valid for three years, at a fee of $33. Please refer to the WSD website for the application procedures.

     Anglers should observe the terms and conditions of the fishing licence to safeguard precious water resources from being polluted. The WSD reminds anglers and other visitors to keep water gathering grounds, catchwaters and reservoir areas clean, not to litter or throw rubbish or objects into the reservoirs, and to avoid activities such as water play, swimming, washing or ritual release of animals, including fish, in the water gathering grounds, catchwaters and reservoirs to safeguard drinking water safety and public health. Polluting the reservoirs and other waterworks mentioned above is an offence. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Ends/Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:37

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