Government strengthens management of oyster farming activities in Deep Bay
**************************************************************************
A spokesperson for the working group said, "The significant increase in the number of oyster rafts in the vicinity of Deep Bay in recent years has affected the coastal environment and navigational safety. In this light, the Government has to take necessary measures to step up the management of oyster farming activities in the area."
The working group plans to delineate oyster farming areas in Deep Bay and regulate oyster farming activities in the areas, including limiting the number of oyster rafts and putting in place effective management measures. The working group has completed a freezing survey of the number and locations of oyster rafts in Deep Bay earlier. Any oyster rafts installed after the freezing survey, or existing rafts that are not allowed to operate after the implementation of the plans, must be removed before a deadline to be specified by the working group at a later stage. Otherwise, enforcement action will be taken according to the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313).
The working group has had initial contact with representatives from the oyster farming industry to explain the management approach. It will continue to keep close liaison with stakeholders and collect their views on the management plan to better manage local oyster farming, and enhance environmental hygiene and navigational safety, etc in the vicinity of Deep Bay.
The Government's inter-departmental working group consists of representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Lands Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Marine Department, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Home Affairs Department. Affected oyster farmers can call 2150 7093, fax to 2314 2866 or email mailbox@afcd.gov.hk to contact the Government's inter-departmental working group.
Ends/Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:05
Issued at HKT 15:05
NNNN