We have been seeing some standard replies coming through from the EPD as a result of our letter writing campaign. There are some small variations but the message is the same in each of these replies.
A sample letter that we have seen can be found here
The purpose of this article is to highlight the main points from the EPD and to suggest that we all need to reply with our genuine concerns for the whitewashing of the main issues and lack of action.
Let’s have a look at the main points of the letter
- Quote: “Whale Sharks are rarely found in Hong Kong waters” Whale Sharks are often seen in waters just to the South and East of Hong Kong’s waters. We know of two incidents in Hong Kong waters this summer, where whale sharks were caught by fishermen in Hong Kong waters. Whale sharks are an internationally protected and important species.
- Quote: “Whale shark are not a target species for Hong Kong fishermen”. It should therefore be no issue to provide proper protection and to deny fishermen the opportunity to kill this wonderful animal by mistake.
- Quote: “for better protection of the ordinance includes stricter domestic measures which require a license to possess specimens of wild origin for commercial purposes” Therefore this means that there is no protection for catching and possession a specimen. This is a major loophole.
- Quote: “With a view to preventing reoccurence of similar incidents …. the AFCD will set up education and publicity efforts to the local fishing community” This is a necessary step but is inadequate and will not provide necessary protection.
Other points:
- The Wild Animals Ordinance in Hong Kong specifically excludes fish and marine invertebrates. Living Seas Hong Kong has checked legislation in many countries we have not found any other jurisiction where this major exclusion is allowed.
- There is one other known case, in June this year where a whale shark was caught in Hong Kong waters. This specimen was known to have been shipped off to Zhuhai for slaughter. This implies that better policing of Hong Kong waters is needed as well as better co-operation with mainland officials. This CANNOT be allowed to continue.
Living Seas Hong Kong suggests that more letters are written in reply to the EPD voicing our continued concerns on the lack or progress and total lack of protection for endangered marine species. The above points can be included. We will post our detailed reply in the near future, which can be used as a template if desired.