Govt Urged To Declare 7 Marine Sites As Protected

A conservation group on Wednesday proposed that Hong Kong designate seven of the city's most sensitive marine sites as protected areas, to conserve valuable marine habitats and species.

WWF-Hong Kong wants nearly a third of local waters to be afforded such protection by 2030, but acknowledges that will be an uphill struggle as current plans only offer protection to about 5 percent of Hong Kong waters by 2023.

WWF said Hong Kong's marine life is facing numerous threats, from rampant development, to escalating marine traffic and pollution.

The group pointed out that the number of Chinese white dolphins dropped 70 percent between 2003 and 2017. They say increased marine traffic is putting stress on marine life, and last week Sea Shepherd reported that deaths of finless porpoises are at unprecedented levels – with boat strikes a possible cause.

Elsewhere, the globally endangered green sea turtles haven't been sighted at their only nesting site at Sham Wan since 2012. And local horseshoe crabs are increasingly threatened by unregulated clam digging in Shui Hau.

Illegal fishing and unregulated recreational activities also pose a threat to the city's diverse coral species.

WWF's assistant director for oceans conservation, Samantha Lee, said seven sites have been identified with the help of academics and experts: West and South of Lantau, Shui Hau, Sharp Island and Shelter Island, the Ninepin Group, the Tolo Channel and Harbour, and Pak Nai.

They're suggesting conservation measures, including banning non-selective fishing methods, restricting vessel speeds, and regulating human activity.

They consulted other stakeholders, including fishermen, who she says were supportive of their efforts.

If their proposals are adopted, 10 percent of Hong Kong's waters would be classified as marine protection areas.