Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ10: Impacts of mud dredging and disposal on the fisheries industry

Following is a question by the Hon Cyd Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the respective numbers of existing mud dredging and disposal areas in Hong Kong waters, together with a map showing the submarine facilities (including sewage pipes and natural gas pipelines) therein; and

(b) whether it has assessed the impact of mud dredging and disposal operations and the aforesaid submarine facilities within Hong Kong waters on the fishing industry; whether there are measures to assist the affected fishermen operating in Hong Kong waters to switch to distant-water fishing?

Reply:

President,

(a) Regular dredging in Hong Kong waters and river channels is necessary to ensure unobstructed fairways and anchorages, and sufficient flood protection for river channels. At present, there are a total of four open sea disposal areas for uncontaminated mud in Hong Kong waters, located at South of Cheung Chau, East of Ninepin, East of Tung Lung Chau and South of Tsing Yi. There is also a confined marine disposal area for contaminated mud located at East of Sha Chau. The locations of sediment disposal areas in Hong Kong waters are shown at the Annex. Besides, the locations of various sediment disposal areas and submarine facilities including sewage pipelines and gas pipelines are also marked in the Hong Kong Nautical Charts published by the Marine Department for sale.

(b) The Government exercises stringent control on marine works such as mud dredging and disposal. Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (the EIA Ordinance), environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for all marine dredging operations of designated projects in Hong Kong in order to provide in-depth assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the projects and recommend mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme. During the works, project proponents are required to implement the mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme recommended in the EIA report. The Government will also closely monitor the progress of the projects. In addition, all marine disposal operations in Hong Kong waters require prior approval from the Environmental Protection Department and must be carried out in designated sediment disposal areas. The Government conducts environmental monitoring at all sediment disposal areas and the findings show that dumping at the sediment disposal areas has no adverse impact on the marine environment and ecology outside these areas. As for marine works such as the laying of submarine sewage pipelines and gas pipelines which are classified as designated projects under the EIA Ordinance, they are also subject to the regulation of the EIA Ordinance. The EIA includes an assessment on the potential environmental impacts (including impacts on the fisheries industry and fisheries resources) of the works and recommendations for improvement. During the works, project proponents are required to implement an appropriate environmental monitoring and audit programme. The existing EIA process requires project proponents to propose the best arrangements (including design), so as to minimise the impacts of the marine works on the marine environment, ecology, fisheries resources and fishing operations. As such, the existing mechanism is effective in ensuring adequate protection of Hong Kong's marine environment.

Currently, the Government provides support and assistance to fishermen wishing to venture into offshore fishing mainly in four areas, including provision of technical advice to fishermen on vessel construction, modification and other technical matters; arrangement of training courses on offshore fishing for fishermen and visits to overseas offshore fishing grounds; assistance in discussion with the relevant Mainland and foreign authorities on offshore fishing requirements and collaboration; and provision of low interest loans to fisherman for vessel modification or construction and acquisition of fishing gears through the "Fisheries Development Loan Fund" and "Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund".


Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:05

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Annex