Press Releases

Artificial reef deployment gazetted today
Friday, July 27, 2001

The Executive Council has authorised the deployment of artificial reefs in Outer Port Shelter and Long Harbour to help protect important nursery areas and enhance fisheries resources.

The extent of the areas affected is described in two notices of authorisation published in the Government Gazette today (July 27).

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the works are scheduled to commence in September this year and to be completed by February, 2003.

"In recent years, overfishing and coastal developments have resulted in a drastic decline in fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters. Failure to take timely action to improve our inshore area will adversely affect the sustainability of local fisheries, as well as our efforts on marine conservation.

"The effectiveness of artificial reefs, as a resource enhancement device, has been clearly demonstrated by the deployment of artificial reefs in three marine parks in Hong Kong in the past few years. Bio-diversity and abundance of commercial fishes found around the artificial reefs are much higher than those observed in nearby natural rocky shore areas. Over 135 fish species have so far been recorded at artificial reef sites.

"The proposed areas for deploying artificial reefs in Outer Port Shelter and Long Harbour are important nursery and spawning grounds. Selection of these areas, after extensive consultation, is supported by some environmental groups, the Sai Kung North Rural Committee and the majority of non-trawl fishers that operate there," the spokesman said.

Any person who considers that his interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved will be injuriously affected by the above undertakings may deliver to the Director of Lands, 20th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong a written claim for compensation on or before July 27, 2002. He should state in his submission the sum of money which he is willing to accept in full and final settlement of his claim and should submit such particulars which he possesses to substantiate his claim.

The notice of authorisation for the Outer Port Shelter project together with its related plan No. SKM 5028b can be seen at the Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office, 23rd Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong and at the Sai Kung District Office, Second Floor, Sai Kung Government Offices, 34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, New Territories.

The notice of authorisation for the Long Harbour project together with its related plan No. TPM 3582d can be seen at the Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office and at the Tai Po District Office's Public Service Enquiry Centre, Ground Floor, Tai Po Government Offices Building, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, New Territories.