ENG-1988 — Page 367

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THE ENVIRONMENT

The waters of Hong Kong can be broadly divided into a western sector, influenced by the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) and predominantly brackish, and the eastern sector, which is more oceanic in character. In some areas, notably the Tolo Harbour, pollution associated with rapid urban development in recent years has led to a decline in the abundance and diver- sity of marine life. Pollution-sensitive organisms such as coral are now found only in a few remote areas. Nevertheless various locations offer natural propagation and nursery grounds for many species of fish, crustacea and molluscs, and provide seasonal feeding grounds for transient predators, such as the Spanish Mackerel, Little Tuna, Dolphinfish, Sailfish and Sharks.

More than 20 species of shark have been recorded in Hong Kong waters, mostly small to medium in size and of little danger to humans. Bigger sharks have been sighted in Mirs Bay in the New Territories and at Stanley and Deep Water Bay on Hong Kong Island. Their presence is a result of the influence of warm ocean current of the South China Sea during the summer months, especially July to September. Sharks common in Hong Kong include the Cat Shark, Leopard Shark, Hammerhead Shark, and some species of the True Shark family.

Various species of whales and dolphin have been recorded in Hong Kong waters and strandings occasionally occur. In 1988, one stranded Striped Dolphin (Stenella) was reported on Lantau Island.

Plant Life

Situated near the northern limit of the distribution of tropical Asian flora, Hong Kong has an abundant variety of plant life. It is estimated that there are about 2 600 species of vascular plants, both native and introduced.

Before the introduction of conservation measures, the hillsides were becoming increas- ingly bare of trees as a result of cutting, burning and exposure to the elements. On most, the only cover was coarse grass or scrub. Now, many slopes, especially those in the water gathering grounds, have been planted with trees of both local and exotic species. These woodlands, and other areas of countryside, are protected and, with growing numbers of people spending increasing amounts of their leisure time outdoors, are being developed. In addition to making the countryside more beautiful, woodlands are important in the management of water catchments.

Remnants of the original forest cover, either scrub forest or well developed woodlands, are still found in steep ravines. They have survived the destructive influences of man through their location in precipitous topography and the moist winter micro-climate.

Countryside Conservation and Management

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is the principal government agency responsible for the conservation and management of Hong Kong's countryside. The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection and management of vegetation, and special protection is given to certain plants, including native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year Flower.

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits hunting wild animals and restricts the entry of unauthorised members of the public into important wildlife habitats, the Mai Po Marshes and the Yim Tso Ha Egretry.

The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of the most important areas of countryside as country parks, and enables them to be developed for recreational purposes. It gives particular protection to vegetation and