Press Releases
Humpback whale sighted at Lei Yue Mun
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The humpback whale has been sighted at Lei Yue Mun by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and experts today (March 26).
As Lei Yue Mun is a principal fairway, the Marine Department has reminded vessels to exercise caution when navigating.
An AFCD spokesman appealed to the public to refrain from sailing out to disturb the whale.
"The whale appears normal. Experts believe that it is still capable of swimming to the open sea and finding its way back to its migration route. Minimising human disturbance will enhance its chances of heading home," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said that the AFCD will continue to monitor the whale's condition with the experts and relevant departments.
All cetacean species are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170). Irresponsible behaviour of whale watchers may constitute an act of wilful disturbance of protected wild animals, which is liable to a maximum penalty of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
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