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The new survey will produce, hopefully more comprehensive data on fishing operations and analysis of catches by location, species, weight and value and this will enable the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries to review the basis for payment of ex- gratia allowances and make recommendation for changes.
I have carefully considered whether any interim changes are possible. I have to say that my conclusion is that changes will not be possible before the data, at least from the fishery operation survey are available. We had a basis. It is now claim to be incorrect. But until we have a new basis, it will be difficult to find what to base new payments on.
As regard those who aggrieved at the outcome of the cases, I would advised they make full use of the appeal channel. And as I have said earlier, this channel will now contain non-civil servants. They will get, I'm sure, the fairest and the most sympathetic hearing.
Some Members have asked when ex-gratia allowances related to claims from owners of fishing vessels exceeding 15 metres will be paid. These will be paid in August and a special claims assessment section has been set up in the Lands Department to expedite assessment and payment of the claims.
Mr President, I would finally like to turn to fisheries conservation initiatives contributing to the long term sustainable development of the industry.
The first of these initiatives will be the commissioning of a study on fisheries resources, subject to the approval of funds by Finance Committee. The study will provide data for planning conservation, development and sustainable use of these resources. Sites of special ecological importance to fisheries, particularly spawning and nursery grounds, will be identified for protection. Fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters and the rate at which their use is sustainable will be quantified. Guidelines will be drawn up for minimising the impact of development projects on these resources. This survey would be conducted in parallel with the survey I described earlier on the fishing operations on our waters. Finance Committee will be invited next month to approve funding for this study and for the new survey as an integrated package,
Secondly, subject to enactment of the Marine Parks Bill, which is currently before this Council, we intend to designate two marine parks at Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong and a marine reserve at Cape D'Aguilar. These will provide safe havens for many forms of marine life and contribute to fisheries conservation objectives.