AFCD reports to Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals on progress of work and recommendations for strengthening protection of cetaceans
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The specific progress and follow-up work are as follows:
(I) Strengthening co-operation with the Chinese Mainland: In August 2025, the AFCD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to deepen the rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and to strengthen the exchange of experience and technology to improve the ecological safety of the adjacent waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
In addition, to strengthen the protection of the Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, the AFCD signed an MOU on the CWD Conservation Co-operation Platform with the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary CWD National Nature Reserve Management Bureau in November 2025. This MOU aims to co-ordinate co-operation between the two places in areas such as CWD ecological monitoring and research, joint rescue, protected areas management and monitoring, and marine conservation education.
(II) Review of legislation: The Government has commenced a review of the legislation relating to the protection of marine mammals. Preliminary proposals include granting new powers to the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to promptly designate "Temporary Marine Restricted Areas" (TMRAs) in Hong Kong waters where human intervention is required for the protection or rescue of cetaceans. The TMRAs would allow for the restriction or prohibition of vessels, persons, and related activities within the area, thereby minimising disturbance to cetaceans. The Government also proposes to confer legal status on the existing Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching.
The Government is consulting with stakeholders and plans to submit an amendment bill to the Legislative Council this year.
The expert group expressed support for the relevant recommendations and work direction put forward by the AFCD. The AFCD expressed gratitude to the expert group for its constructive advice and will continue to co-operate with the expert group to enhance the conservation efforts for marine mammals.
Ends/Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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