Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ1: Local fisheries resources
Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho Chun-yin and a reply by the
Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, in the Legislative
Council today (November 20):
Question:
In recent years, marine works have commenced one after another in Hong
Kong. Following the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (Hong Kong Section)
project that is underway, other marine works will be launched soon. Some
fishermen have relayed to me that the marine works in recent years have
resulted in a shrinkage of fishing grounds and affected their
livelihood. They have also pointed out that the Government's current
package of ex-gratia allowance (EGA) has not fully reflected the
fishermen's losses arising from a permanent or temporary loss of fishing
grounds as a result of marine works. In addition, upon the completion of
some marine works, the Government has set up restricted areas near the
worksites (e.g. the Hong Kong International Airport) to which vessel
entry is prohibited, but has not compensated the fishermen in this
regard. Quite a number of fishermen have pointed out that the incessant
launching of marine works by the Government has rendered the fisheries
industry unable to have sustainable development, and breached the pledge
of the Chief Executive in his election manifesto to promote the
development of the agricultural and fisheries industry. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it conducted in the past five years comprehensive or
localised surveys on the fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters (in
particular the waters to the west of the New Territories) to compile
statistics on the area of Hong Kong waters (away from fairways) that is
actually available for fishing each year and on the fisheries resources
in various stretches of waters, and to assess the impacts of the marine
works to be launched in the next five years on the ecological
environment of fishing grounds, etc.; if it did, of the details; if not,
the reasons for that, and whether it will collect such data and
information as soon as possible;
(b) whether it has any measure to increase fisheries resources, such as
placing more artificial reefs in the sea, restocking, and adjusting the
proposed policy on marine reserve, etc. so as to protect fishermen's
livelihood and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries
industry; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(c) given that the restricted areas set up by the authorities in some
waters have led to a shrinkage of fishing grounds, whether the
authorities will review the scope of compensation covered by the
existing EGA package and make compensation to the affected fishermen; if
they will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the Hon Steven Ho Chun-yin's question is as follows:
(a) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)
conducts surveys on fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters since 2010
to monitor the fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters and evaluate the
effectiveness of the trawl ban. Introduced in late 2012, the trawl ban
will change the baseline conditions of the existing marine and fisheries
resources in Hong Kong. The AFCD considers it necessary to capture data
over a longer period of time for meaningful analysis and study.
As regards fishing grounds in Hong Kong, according to the data released
by the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department in 2012, the
total sea area of Hong Kong is 1 650.60 square kilometres. Fishing is
prohibited in areas such as principal fairways, public bathing beaches
and typhoon shelters, covering about 34 square kilometres. The remaining
stretches of waters are available for fishing according to the relevant
law.
Marine works that are being developed or under planning in the coming
five years include dredging and reclamation to the south western coast
of Shek Kwu Chau for the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase I,
a third runway at the airport, and the Tung Chung New Town Development
Extension. They are concentrated in the Western Waters of Hong Kong and
cover an area of 7.96 square kilometres.
Where a marine works project is a Designated Project specified by the
Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, the project proponent must
carry out statutory Environmental Impact Assessments to assess the
negative impacts of the project on the marine environment and fisheries
resources. He is also obliged to take mitigation measures to minimise
and keep within acceptable limits the environmental impacts arising from
the works and operations.
(b) Trawling activities in Hong Kong waters have been banned since the
end of 2012. The registration of local fishing vessels is under way to
control fishing effort and prohibit non-local fishing vessels from
engaging in fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The measures will
help reduce fishing effort in Hong Kong waters and help rehabilitate
local fisheries resources. Looking ahead, we are making preparations for
designating fisheries protection areas (FPAs) to protect important fish
nursery and spawning grounds in Hong Kong waters. We will collect
comprehensive data to carry out analysis. Which areas should be
designated as FPAs will be decided after thorough consultation with the
trade. Appropriate management measures will be devised for each FPA.
Besides, the AFCD has been implementing an artificial reefs programme to
promote the growth and development of various marine organisms, and
provide food, protection and shelter for fish. At present, some 179 000
cubic metres of artificial reefs have been deployed at suitable
locations such as the marine parks. Over 220 species of fish have been
found using the reefs for feeding, shelter, spawning and nursery. The
Government will continue to monitor the situation on the ground and
consider the deployment of additional artificial reefs at suitable
locations.
Restocking is one of the options recommended by the Committee on
Sustainable Fisheries to enhance fisheries resources. It involves the
release of fish fry or juveniles of other marine animals into the wild
to enhance and restore fisheries resources. The planning and
implementation of any restocking programme require careful deliberation
of matters including the choice of fish species, their health status,
adaptation arrangements, etc. The process is essential for collecting
information necessary for restocking and assessing its feasibility in
Hong Kong waters as a means to enhance fisheries resources. The AFCD
will continue to study the related technologies.
The Government will also continue to keep the existing marine resources
under monitoring, carry out research and take appropriate measures to
conserve marine resources.
(c) Fishermen affected by marine works are in principle not entitled to
statutory compensation since they have no legal rights over the relevant
waters. Nonetheless, the Government has all long been granting ex-gratia
allowance (EGA) to fishermen affected by marine works to help them
re-align their operations. Restricted areas that are set up to ensure
the safety of marine channels and aviation safety generally do not cause
additional adverse impact on fisheries resources. Hence, EGA is not
payable under the current policy.
Ends/Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 13:56
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