Fish ponds are considered an integral part of the Deep Bay wetland ecosystem and fish pond farming is well recognized as an example of the wise use of wetlands in the Ramsar Site – a practice that is economically viable and able to support an appreciable assemblage of wetland wildlife. Every year, Deep Bay fish ponds attract some 150 species of waterbirds. In 1997, the Planning Department initiated a study on the ecological value of fish ponds in the Deep Bay area. The study found that Deep Bay fish ponds and traditional fish farming method were of international and regional importance for the roosting and foraging of wetland-dependent birds.
The ecological value of fish ponds is highly related to the management practice of fish pond farming. In traditional fish farming practices, ponds are completely drained down in winter for harvesting. Non-commercial fish and shrimps left at the bottom of the pond are easy food for winter migratory waterbirds. At Fung Lok Wai, fish ponds are still leased to local farmers for commercial fish farming. However, many of them are inactively managed such as lack of drain down practice over many years, reducing the overall ecological value of the site.
The ecological value of fish ponds is highly related to the management practice of fish pond farming. In traditional fish farming practices, ponds are completely drained down in winter for harvesting. Non-commercial fish and shrimps left at the bottom of the pond are easy food for winter migratory waterbirds. At Fung Lok Wai, fish ponds are still leased to local farmers for commercial fish farming. However, many of them are inactively managed such as lack of drain down practice over many years, reducing the overall ecological value of the site.