ENG-2002 — Page 352

THE ENVIRONMENT

292

The Fisheries Protection Ordinance provides for the regulation of fishing practices and the prevention of destructive fishing activities such as using explosive or toxic substances for the purpose of fishing.

Protected Areas

There are 23 country parks and 15 special areas (four of which are located outside country parks). Covering a total area of 41 582 hectares (about 38 per cent of the total land area of Hong Kong), they cover scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. They are carefully protected for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside education and compatible scientific studies. Outdoor recreational and tourism uses are also promoted in country parks. Country parks and special areas are managed on a multi-use basis, involving protection of woodland and vegetation against fire, control of development, tree planting, litter collection, provision of educational and recreational facilities, and promoting better understanding of the countryside. Over 11 million visitors were recorded during the year.

There are four marine parks and one marine reserve covering a total area of 2 430 hectares. They cover scenic coastal areas seascapes and important biological habitats. Similar to country parks, marine parks are managed for the purposes of conservation, education, recreation and scientific studies. Marine reserves are dedicated for conservation, education and scientific studies. Marine parks and reserves are patrolled by AFCD staff on a daily basis. Fishing in marine parks is controlled through a permit system which is confined to local villagers and bona fide fishermen while such activity is totally banned in marine reserves. Publicity and educational activities are organised for students and other members of the public. A Warden Post was established in Hoi Ha Wan in Sai Kung, providing information on marine parks to visitors.

Topography and Geology

Hong Kong's natural terrain is dominated by mountains and hills with steep slopes, many of which descend directly into the sea. The seabed is relatively flat. The highest point in Hong Kong is Tai Mo Shan in the New Territories at 957 metres above Principal Datum. The deepest point is 66 metres below Principal Datum in Lo Chau Mun (Beaufort Channel) north of Po Toi Island.

The mountains consist primarily of volcanic rocks, with some of the lower hills formed of granite. Low-lying areas tend to be formed of granite or sedimentary rocks. In places, hill-slope debris forms a mantle over the bedrock and alluvium fills some of the valleys. Much of the seabed is covered by marine mud with some scattered sand banks.

Hong Kong lies on the southern edge of an ancient land mass. The oldest exposed rocks are Devonian fluvial sediments that were deposited 400 million years ago. The region was subsequently inundated by a shallow sea. Sediments from this period are represented by the carboniferous marble of Yuen Long and Ma On Shan. The sandy and muddy sediments of the Permain rocks of Tolo Harbour are of alternate marine and continental deposits.

From the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods, between 170 and 140 million years ago, Hong Kong was the scene of violent volcanic activity. Thick accumulations of lava and ash were deposited. The eruptions were associated with the development of