Press Releases

Public consultation on artificial reef deployment
Thursday, July 15, 1999

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) has launched a consultation exercise to solicit views on recommendations for deploying and managing artificial reefs (ARs) in Hong Kong waters.

The consultation carries major findings and proposals of a study commissioned to identify suitable sites and management plans for implementing phase two of the ARs deployment project.

Speaking on the consultation today (Thursday), an AFD spokesman said the public are welcome to put forward their views on the three management options proposed for the manning of five recommended Marine Special Areas (MSAs).

Various types of ARs would be deployed at MSAs at West Sokos and Shek Kwu Chau, East Po Toi, Ninepins, Outer Port Shelter and Shek Nga Chau.

Noting that these MSAs were all outside existing marine parks, the spokesman said the success of the project hinged on a practical and effective management of fishing operations in the MSAs.

"The deployment of ARs would promote bio-diversity of the marine environment in the waters of Hong Kong and rehabilitate and enhance fisheries resources.

"Fishing activities within or around artificial reef complex should be regulated as the fish aggregation effects of the ARs may facilitate capture and eventually exacerbate stock depletion," he said.

Recommendations made ranging from closing the entire MSA to fishing to controlled fishing activities at designed Limited Access Zones at MSAs or even around some fishable reefs for permit holders only.

The study proposed to set up a community-based MSA Management Advisory Groups for the allocation of such fishing permits.

Information gathered during the study indicates that the deployment of ARs, together with an effective management of fishing operation, represent a promising and cost-effective means of enhancing marine ecological resources.

"The programme will help rebuild a high value and sustainable fishery for Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

The entire ARs deployment project is scheduled to be implemented in two phases.

The first phase, with ARs deployed mainly inside marine parks, commenced in 1996 and will be completed in September this year.

In phase one, redundant vessels, tyres, quarry rock and concrete modules are deployed as ARs at Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks.

A number of surveys have been carrying out to assess the performance of the ARs deployed so far in enhancing fisheries resources.

"The initial survey results are very encouraging," the spokesman said.

Juveniles of many high-value reef fish, including breams, snappers and grunts are beginning to establish impressive populations around the ARs.

Sizable grouper and snapper adults have also taken up residence on several ARs.

He added that over 100 fish species had been recorded on the ARs deployed.

"If the ARs deployed are adequately managed, the economic value of fishery can increase by as much as 30 per cent after 15 years and 52 per cent after 30 years, over and above increases without ARs," he said.

The consultation document is available on AFD's website (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/).

Those who are interested in obtaining a copy can contact the department's Artificial Reefs Division at tel: 2733 2420.

The executive summary and final report of the study are also available for viewing at the Artificial Reefs Division at AFD headquarters and the Aberdeen Fisheries Office Libraries.

Written comments on the consultant's recommendations should reach AFD, 14/F, Canton Road Government Offices, 393, Canton Road, Kowloon or via the Internet on or before September 30.