David O'Dwyer, Author at Living Seas Hong Kong

Fisheries and fisheries policy International marine conservation

Commercial Fishing Is Barred in Parts of Arctic

February 10, 2009 David O'Dwyer 0

In light of rapid changes due to climate change commercial fishing has been banned in US waters north of the Bering Strait and east to the Canadian border. This is to enable proper assessment of the effects on the region of global warming.

“The Marine Conservation Alliance — an association representing fishermen and processors who harvest groundfish and crab off Alaska’s coast — endorsed the council’s decision to close an area spanning nearly 200,000 square miles, an area nearly twice as large as the U.S. national park system”

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

Hainanese fishermen catch a 12 metre whale shark

February 9, 2009 David O'Dwyer 0

On the 6th February, six Hainanese fishermen caught a 12 metre, 5 tonne whale shark. Article (in Chinese) can be found HERE Horrible scenes of the dead whale shark A study by Living Seas Hong Kong is showing

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

Legco Panel discusses commercial fishing ban

January 23, 2009 David O'Dwyer 0

The Legco panel on environmental affairs met on the 21st January 2009 to discuss the proposed ban on commercial fishing in marine parks (amongst other items) This is an important step towards the implementation of this vital legislation. The agenda

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

Bush sets-up huge National Marine Monuments

January 9, 2009 David O'Dwyer 0

Finally, some good news from President G.W. Bush. On January 6th 2009 the White House announced that 195,000 mile2 of the Pacific Ocean will be designated as National Marine Monuments. The provisions in this declaration include the banning of

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

No ban on Marine Park fishing until 2010

December 24, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

The Chief Executives policy direction to ban commercial fishing in Hong Kong’s few marine parks will not be implemented until 2010 at the earliest. This is disappointing and is the result of a need to make changes to legislation. These

Marine life and species protection

Horseshoe crabs at Sai Kung restaurants

November 18, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

Judy L-Eastham from Explore SaiKung has informed Living Seas of a horrific event in Sai Kung regarding Horseshoe crabs, a species listed onÂ government websites asÂ needed preservation, highly endangered locallyÂ but unfortunatelyÂ there is no actual protection underÂ Hong Kong legislation.Â This illustrates the lack of protection for locally endangered marine species in Hong Kong and the lip service paid by the Hong Kong government to locally important marine species.Â

International marine conservation

Sharkwater video showing 19th Nov 2008

November 18, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

There will be a special showing of the globally acclaimed documentary, Sharkwater, to highlight the critical issues that the ocean ecosystem faces, partly due to the shark finning industry. When: Wednesday, November 19th, 8:30pm (the movie is about 80min)

Marine Parks and Protected Areas

Commercial fishing to be banned in marine parks

October 20, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

The start of the end
(fishing boats such as these will not be able to operate in the park)

Some great news announced as part of the Chief Executive’s policy address for 2008-09.

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

Continued opposition to Tai Po beach project

October 13, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

There is continued opposition to the proposed artificial beach project at Lung Mei in Tai Po. Living Seas has reported on this previously. The major objections are: Waste of tax payers money, the waters in this area are highly

Fisheries and fisheries policy International marine conservation

UN report on fisheries cost and the growing trend of “rights based management” of fisheries

October 13, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

AnÂ article in the SCMP on Friday 10th October pointed out that according to a report released from the World Bank and the FAO there are $50B of potential economic benefit lost each year in the fisheries industry through poor management, overfishing and inefficiencies.

International marine conservation

Pollution and overfishing – the biggest threat to coral reefs

October 5, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

An article in the SCMP of 2nd October 2008 pointed out that pollution from sewage, farm runoff and overfishing will cause the world’s reefs to die off decades before global warming does. The article points to overfishing which causes an

Marine conservation in Hong Kong

EPD reply September 2008

September 30, 2008 David O'Dwyer 0

We have received a reply from the EPD to our letter of the 26th July which can be accessed HERE

The reply is of course inadequate and misses the point in a number of areas.