5
4.6
Frior to 1941, the Deep Bay Marshes immediately east of Oyster Bed Number Five, being too shallow for oyster cultivation, were described as "wetland of no economic importance". Between 1941 and 1946 bunds were thrown up by persons other than the Shek Ha villagers and the area was converted to shallow shrimping ponds or ei vais". After the war, Shek Tai Tong disputed control of the area with the kei wai operators who ventaully moved out, the Tong managers assumed control and now operate the kei wais themselves using migrant labour for the purpose.
4.7
It is only due to the continued management of the kei wais that the area has remained in its present state and has not silted up.
5. Special. Conditions for Operating Kei Wais
6.
5.1
Following an inspection of the Mai Po Marshes with members of the Nature Conservation Sub-Committee in February 1972, the District Officer, Yuen Long took action to formalise the land tenure of the most important kei wais (arca Y20358 in Fig. 3). This has been done by the issue of permits carrying the following conditions which relate to the manner of working the kei wais for shrimp and fish production vis a vis their value for conservation purposes.
5.2
Special Conditions for Permit No. Y20358.
5.2.1
No dredging may be carried out without the approval of the District Office Yuen Long.
5.2.2
5.2.3
No cross bunds may be constructed.
No kei-wais should be completely cleared
of vegetation.
5.2.4
No conversion of any part of the kei-wais to fish pond is allowed.
5.2.5
A Banker's bond of $10,000.00 is to be placed with the Hong Kong Government within three months after the issue of permit.
Scientific significance of the Marshes
6.1
Vegetation
6.1.2 The Deep Bay Marshes contain mangrove and other plant formations which occur only in the particular environmental conditions brought about in bays or estuaries where saline silts or sandy mud are deposited. Mangroves are characteristically a tropical plant formation and though some genera extend as far north as Kyushu, Hong Kong is close to the northern limits of the mangrove formation, as far as is known at present.
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