11
9.7
It would probably be impossible to justify including the whole of the present Fourth Schedule area in a Seventh Schedule Restricted Access Reserve. However a management scheme consisting of three zones would appear to offer a reasonable compromise to all interested parties. It is proposed that the three zones should be:-
9.8
9.7.1
A Nature Conservation Area (Restricted Access Reserve) in the northern part of the Harshes. This would act as a refuge for wildlife in the area as well as providing strictly controlled re- creation and education opportunities. Increasing destruction of marsh habitat and very large scale netting of birds which can be observed on the Chinese side on the Sham Chun River makes the need for a refuge area in the estuary all the more pressing.
9.7.2
A zone containing a Nature Education Area (Wildfowl Park) in the central part of the Marshes. This would act primarily as an educational and recreational resource, providing the public with an opportunity to view a variety of wildfowl in e. collection, as well as wild birds from hides overlooking the Nature Conservation Area.
An area of unrestricted access in the southern part of
9.7.3
the Marshes.
The boundaries of the three zones are shown in Fig. 4.
10. Nature Conservation Area
10.1
Restricted Access Reserve
The Nature Conservation Area should act as a refuge for wildlife in the area as well as providing limited recreation and education opportunities.
10.2
It is proposed that a total of about 515 acres (209 hectares) of kei wais and mangrove in the northern part of the Marshes be listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Wild Birds and Wild Mammals Protection Ordinance. The provisions of the Ordinance in relation to the Seventh Schedule are given in Appendix 2.
10.3
This area would exclude the hamlet by-the Tam Kon Chau Police Post,
This area but would include about 22 Temporary structures on the Marshes. should be fenced along the three land boundaries with a six foot high chain link fence with barbed wire along the top. Suitable provision should be made for access for those concerned with the operation of the kei wais.
10.4
Since the kci wai area is an entirely man-made and artificial habitat → it is essential that the existing management regime is continued if the habitat
is to survive. It is envisaged that kei wai operation in this area should continue with as little disruption as possible. Existing conditions relating to the management of kei wais should be reviewed as it may be necessary to
It amend these e.g. with regard to the current practice of harvesting algae. would be necessary for the kei vais operators to conform to a fairly rigid work schedule (to be agreed between the operators and the Reserve anagenent), to prevent continual widespread disturbance to the birds.
10.5
No further building of temporary structures' should be allowed in the reserve. The justification for most of the existing structures is to pro- vide shelter for watchmen to prevent poaching of fish, thus they should become. superfluous once the Reserve is established. It is desirable that no one should be permitted to live inside the Reserve, however if it is felt that there is still a need for watchmen, these should be accommodated only with regulations governing their activities (e.g. no dogs, cats or domestic fowl should be allowed inside the reserve).. All structures other than watchmen's huts should be removed, however small structures for storing equipment essential to the operation of the kei wais should be allowed if necessary. If bird netting con- tinues once the Reserve is functioning the area should as far as possible be cleared of permanent residents.