The year 2010-2011 was highly rewarding for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. We made great progress in various areas.

Trawling not only disturbs the seabed but also traps small and immature fish, seriously depleting fisheries resources and the ability of the marine environment to recover.  To protect our valuable marine resources and ecological environment, the Chief Executive announced in his 2010-11 Policy Address that a suite of fisheries management measures would be implemented, including banning trawling activities in Hong Kong waters. To address the impact of these measures on the livelihood of trawler fishermen, we have proposed a one-off assistance scheme for those fishermen affected. The Department will also launch a special training programme to help them switch to other sustainable fisheries operations, including aquaculture fisheries and recreational fishing. The trawl ban will come into effect by the end of 2012.

To improve the preservation and management of the Hong Kong National Geopark, five geologically important sites, namely, Double Haven, High Island, Sharp Island, the Ung Kong Group and the Ninepin Group of Islands, covering a total of 235 hectares were designated as special areas in early 2011. In addition, a sister arrangement was signed with Germany's Global Geopark Bergstrasse-Odenwald to foster a closer relationship with members of the Global Geoparks Network.  We are also actively preparing to apply for membership of the Network with the support of the Mainland authorities.

During the year, the Department introduced a new mobile application, "Enjoy Hiking", to enhance the support services for country park visitors. It features various hiking trails and routes in Hong Kong as well as some hiking safety tips. Users can select suitable routes with reference to their interests, physical fitness and experience to enjoy hiking in Hong Kong’s countryside.

The Hong Kong Wetland Park continued to work with different sectors to promote greater awareness of wetland conservation. More than 1,400 volunteers were recruited during the year to assist in the operation of the visitor centre and habitat management, and to offer guided tours for visitors. The Park also established partnership programmes with corporations and non-government organisations to draw wider expertise and resources into the cause of wetland conservation.

FarmFest 2011 was another major contributor to last year's performance. In its fifth consecutive year and still the largest outdoor farmers' market in Hong Kong, FarmFest continues to help farmers expand their customer base and provide the public with the opportunity to shop for premium local agricultural and fishery products. This year the number of visitors hit a record high of 190,000.   

We also made good progress in promoting the cultivation of premium vegetables and helping farmers gain better economic returns. During the year, four improved varieties including small seedless watermelon with red flesh, rock melon with greenish white flesh, cauliflower and small pumpkin were introduced to farmers for production.

An important part of our work to manage stray animals is public education. During the year, a dedicated education team was set up to devise and implement an enhanced education and publicity programme to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.  In an attempt to reduce the number of animals to be euthanised, the Department has strengthened the collaboration with animal welfare organisations in re-homing of animals, including inviting more organisations to partner with the Department and providing free de-sexing services for animals re-homed through the partner organisations. Since the re-homing service was enhanced in October 2010, the number of animals re-homed has increased by some 25% as compared with the same period in 2009-10. We will continue our efforts to further increase the number of animals to be re-homed.

The Department provided expert advice and assistance to the Mainland authorities during the staging of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games Equestrian Events in Conghua, Guandong in November 2010. The experience the Department gained from organising the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong in 2008 enabled it to offer support.

Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues for their unfailing support and dedication during the year. I am also grateful to various other Government departments, advisory committees and boards, non-governmental organisations, professional bodies and volunteers for their support and cooperation. I look forward to your continuing support for the Department to further enhance the quality of its wide range of services to the community in the coming year.

Alan Wong Chi-kong
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation