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The policy of not hunting sharks as a response to recent or anticipated attacks should be continued.
The Government's current education program employing posters, radio and television spots and advice to schools, is effective and should continue. The message that sharks are a natural part of Hong Kong's marine environment and that personal responsibility is required in honouring the common sense suggestions of the campaign will certainly result in reduced attacks.
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The Inter-departmental Working Group on Shark Attacks in which various governmental agencies and scientists from the private sector have shared available scientific data and interacted so favourably should initiate planning meetings in February of each year in anticipation of the key shark watch period and continue meeting on a need basis throughout the bathing season.
In concluding his presentation, Mr Burgess affirmed the appropriateness and validity of the Government's handling of the situation todate.
Mr Petersen, who was also present at the press conference, said he was pleased that Mr Burgess was able to produce a preliminary evaluation report within such a short span of time.
"The Working Group will be considering in detail Mr Burgess's recommendations and assessing what follow-up action should be taken," he said..
Meanwhile, he said that while the Government was doing all it could to protect the public, beachgoers should remain vigilant and stay away from beaches in the Sai Kung area.
Shark warning flags which have been hoisted since June 2 at eight gazetted beaches under the management of the Regional Council will remain in force..
"We are therefore appealing to the public once again not to go into the water in Sai Kung over this weekend, not to hunt sharks and not to seek to observe them at close quarters because all of these activities are dangerous," Mr Petersen said.
End/Thursday, June 29, 1995
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