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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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