WWF HONG KONG COMMISSIONS CANADIAN UNIVERSITY TEAM TO UNDERTAKE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY INTO THE IMPACT OF ESTABLISHING NO-TAKE FISHING ZONES IN THE WATERS OF NORTH EASTERN HONG KONG

Study is part of WWF’s “Save Our Seas” Campaign (SOS), aimed at establishing a sustainable fishery in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, 27 June 2006 – WWF Hong Kong today announced that it had appointed a team from the University of British Columbia to undertake a socio-economic study into the impact of establishing no-take fishing zones in the waters of north eastern Hong Kong.

The Chairman of WWF Hong Kong, Mr Markus Shaw said WWF Hong Kong was commissioning the study as part of the conservation organization's "Save Our Seas" campaign (SOS), which was mounted last year in order to rejuvenate fish stocks in Hong Kong and create a sustainable fishery.

“Fish stocks in Hong Kong waters are heavily depleted as a result of unsustainable fishing practices (in particular trawling), reclamation, dredging and pollution.

“The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) have been negligent in managing this valuable natural asset and if something drastic is not done immediately to redress the situation, collapse of the fishing industry, and irretrievable damage to the marine ecosystem will be the likely result.

“Although the AFCD is attempting to recover the situation through proposed amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, the present proposals go nowhere near far enough to addressing what is a critical situation: they are a ‘band aid’ when ‘life support’ is needed,” Markus Shaw said.

“The objectives of the SOS campaign are (1) the creation of sizeable no-take zones and (2) the eventual banning of bottom trawling in most of Hong Kong waters. These are the drastic measures necessary to halt and eventually reverse the deterioration.”

“Our initial proposals for no-take zones in Tolo Harbour, Port Shelter and existing Marine Parks would cover about 9.8% of Hong Kong’s waters. No-take zones are now being created all over the world and are a recognised tool not only for conservation but also for replenishment of fish stocks. Studies suggest that the restoration of fish stocks could be dramatic and lead to the creation of an ‘underwater wonderland’ in our north eastern waters on par with nearby resorts with abundant marine life. As a result the area would become a major attraction, forming the basis of an ecotourism industry of very great value not only for local communities in that area but also fishermen who are inclined to take advantage of new opportunities. It would offer a livelihood more profitable and secure than one based on declining fisheries. This is nothing less than a ‘New Economic Model’ for the north eastern waters of Hong Kong.

“Our aim is to show that the ‘investment’ required by Government to create and maintain these no-take zones has a clear and economic return for the community”, he said.The study will examine the socio-economic consequences of three possible scenarios for fisheries management in Hong Kong, including the feasibility of creating alternative livelihoods and the economic consequences of successful implementation. The fisheries scenarios to be looked into are:-

• A continuation of the fisheries and marine park management regimes in place currently;
• The impact on the fishery of the implementation of the government’s proposed three amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance;
• The introduction of the WWF’s SOS campaign objectives;
  • The creation of no take zones in the areas proposed as Fisheries Protection areas i.e Port Shelter, and Tolo Harbour and Channel;
  • A ban on bottom trawling in most of Hong Kong waters;
  • Creation of no-take zones in all Marine Parks.

 

The Director of Conservation of WWF Hong Kong, Dr Andy Cornish said WWF was delighted to be working with the team from University of British Columbia.

“UBC is a world leader in fisheries research and has vast experience in undertaking similar studies throughout the world, including Hong Kong during the last two decades.

“Our study will attempt to value the Hong Kong fishery and put a commercial life on it. It will look at what ex gratia payments may be required and ascertain from fishermen their desire and ability to change and take up new livelihoods,” he said. “We already know from a poll conducted by TNS for WWF in September 2005 that the majority of the public support the concepts behind the SOS campaign. More than 80% thought more should be done to protect marine life in local waters, 99% believed no-take zones were reasonable, and 80% thought more than 20% of Hong Kong waters should be no-take zones. Now we just need to demonstrate to the government and fishing community that our SOS objectives are economically and socially viable.”

The study was awarded following a competitive tender process and will be completed in September 2006.

The findings of the study will be submitted to Government.

Mr Shaw also unveiled a new poster aimed at gaining public support for the SOS campaign.

The poster depicts a fish as a “street sleeper”, implying that, because of the damage done to its habitat through trawling, it has lost its home.

The poster will be displayed at poster sites on the MTR, KCRC, and Tram shelters.

“This poster brings to the surface the real plight being faced by fish and I hope as a result the public will understand the crisis being faced by our marine environment and the creatures that live in it,” he said.