Replies to LegCo questions

LC Q9: Consultancy studies on agricultural and fishing industries

Following is a question by the Hon. Wong Yung-kan and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday) :

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of the number of studies pertaining to the agricultural and fishing industries it commissioned private consultancy firms to undertake in the past three years, and of the subject and scope, the current progress and consultancy fee of each of the studies?

Reply :

Madam President,

Over the past three years, the Government commissioned private consultancy firms/experts to conduct five studies pertaining to the agriculture and fishing industries. The subject, scope, progress and fee of each of the consultancy studies are summarised below according to the order of commencement -

(a) Consultancy Study on Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters

The scope of this study included assessment and comparison of the past and the latest positions of fisheries resources, capture fishing activities and fish catches in Hong Kong, analysis of the causes of changes and formulation of a fisheries resources protection strategy. The consultancy fee was about $15 million. The study report was completed in 1998. The Government conducted a public consultation exercise in the same year and the majority of the views received were supportive of the fisheries management measures. In mid-1999, the then Agriculture and Fisheries Department, AFD (now known as the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, AFCD) set up a Working Group on Fisheries Management, comprising representatives from the fishing industry, the green groups and academics, to advise the Government on issues relating to the implementation of the fisheries management strategy.

(b) Artificial Reef Deployment Study

The scope of this study included selection of sites outside marine parks for deployment of artificial reefs and formulation of management plans for artificial reef areas to improve marine ecology and enhance fisheries resources. The consultancy fee was about $4 million. The study report was completed in 1998. The Government conducted public consultation in 1999. AFCD would continue to consider the views of fishermen and other organisations and, after the completion of the necessary preparatory work, deploy artificial reefs at Outer Port Shelter and Outer Long Harbour / East Tap Mun in 2001, which have the support of most of the fishermen.

The study reviewed existing arrangements for supporting the agriculture industry in Hong Kong and recommended measures to facilitate its future development. The scope of the study included agricultural landuse, technological development, management of wholesale food markets and the role of AFD. The consultancy fee was about $3.1 million. The study report was completed in late 1998. AFCD has consulted the industry on the recommendations of the study. It would consider the way forward for agricultural development and feasible options in the light of public opinions.

(d) Consultancy Study on Red Tide Monitoring and Management in Hong Kong

The scope of this study included analysis of red tide monitoring and management strategies used world-wide, assessment of their effectiveness and feasibility if applied in Hong Kong, and formulation of strategies and action plans to improve monitoring, early warning and capability of Hong Kong in dealing with red tide contingencies. The consultancy fee was about $3.5 million. The study report was completed in May 1999. The Government has decided to implement enhanced measures recommended by the consultants. For example, AFCD has strengthened its red tide monitoring measures and information dissemination network, and is prepared to conduct pilot tests on some proposed mitigation measures. These and other measures would be refined and further strengthened as appropriate from time to time.

(e) Consultancy Study on Fisheries and Marine Ecological Criteria for Impact Assessment

The scope of this study included tests on the impacts of changes in essential water quality parameters on local marine lives to help produce more accurate assessment for fisheries and marine ecological impact assessment studies. The consultancy fee was about $4.5 million. The study started in January 1999 and is expected to be completed by early 2001.

End/Wednesday, January 5, 2000