A few of the obvious areas are:
-
The purpose of our suggestion to change the name of Cap 586 “PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ORDINANCE” to “CONTROL IN THE TRADE OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ORDINANCE” is that it does not provide protection, this legislation prevents trade in endangered species. Definitely legislation to restrict trade in endangered species is needed but this a very different issue. We are talking about endangered marine species protection in Hong Kong.
-
Marine animals face exactly the same problems as terrestrial animals. Exploitation, destruction of habitat and illegal capture. Our investigations have shown no other jurisdiction that separates terrestrial from marine animals in this way. We do not agree with the position of the EPD on this point.
-
The Fisheries Ordinance has a clause that allows for possible protection of marine species however at this time it does not. It simply stops certain fishing practices.
-
We do not share the view that only education and publicity is the way forward, legislation is needed and perpetrators need to be prosecuted. After all we don’t stop drink driving with education.
Other comments are welcome.