© Bena Smith

Fish Stocking in Gei Wai #3

Over the coming winter months, trash fish (mainly Tilapia) will be stocked on a bi-weekly basis into Gei wai #3 at Mai Po Nature Reserve for feeding Cormorants. This is part of a programme to reduce the predation by Cormorants on the commercial fish in the fishponds around Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay.

From 08 November 2007 until the end of March 2008 (exception being the Chinese New Year period: 07 - 10 February 2008 and if temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius) , fish farmers will deliver two trucks of fish (approximately 1,300 catties each), every Tuesday and Friday for stocking into Gei wai #3. The feeding commences at 08:00 and lasts for about 20 minutes, but birds remain for much longer afterwards. Thus, the stocking presents a great opportunity to watch and photograph thousands of birds congregating together as they feast on the fish. The small bird-watching hide/hut by the road can allow for close up views.

© Eva Cheuk / WWF Hong Kong