XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 65

Answer:

44 -

Mr President,

(a) The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) commissioned the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) of the University of Hong Kong to undertake a three-year study to collect baseline information about the Indo Pacific hump-back dolphin, commonly known as Chinese white dolphin, in December 1993.

(b)

(c)

(d)

By using photo-identification techniques, SWIMS has identified a population of over 80 Indo Pacific hump-back dolphins within Hong Kong territorial waters. The result of a recent systematic population survey conducted by Dr Tom Jefferson, a cetacean expert and research associate of the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, has indicated that the population size may be several times larger than SWIMS's estimation. However, the population size of the dolphins has yet to be determined.

AFD further commissioned a consultancy study in mid-1996 to carry out more systematic and in-depth study on the biology, population and distribution of the Indo Pacific hump-back dolphin. The study will take two years.

The draft map of the proposed Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park (SLMP), i.e. the marine sanctuary, was gazetted for public inspection and comments for 60 days on 12 April 1996 in accordance with Section 8 of the Marine Parks Ordinance. After that period, the draft map will be submitted to the Governor in Council for approval. The SLMP is expected to be established around September / October 1996.

Yes, we have indeed considered the appropriate size of the sanctuary. The area of SLMP gazetted now is about 1,200 hectares which is 20% larger than the 1,000 hectares originally recommended by the cetacean expert, Dr Bern Wursig.

Yes, we have considered the question of banning all fishing activities. We have concluded that it would be best for the SLMP to be managed along the lines of a marine park where sustainable fishing will be allowed and controlled through a permit system. Trawling will however be prohibited. Other fishing activities will also be closely monitored. More stringent control will be imposed should there be signs of any activities which may be detrimental to the health and welfare of the dolphins.