ENG-2006 — Page 358

294 The Environment

Despite being close to the northern limit for hard corals, Hong Kong supports some 80 stony coral species. This diversity of corals is considered to be quite rich by international standards. A variety of marine fishes also breed in Hong Kong waters. Typical of the eastern waters is the red pargo, one of several sea bream varieties whose fry are abundant along the shore of Mirs Bay in early spring.

Two marine mammal species can be found throughout the year. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, also known as the Chinese white dolphin, is the best known and the other is the finless porpoise. The humpback dolphin prefers the estuarine environment and inhabits the western waters of Hong Kong while the finless porpoise lives in the eastern and southern areas, which are predominantly oceanic

waters.

To enhance inshore marine resources, the AFCD has installed artificial reefs to enhance fisheries resources and biodiversity. The Marine Parks programme continues to serve as an important scheme in protecting and conserving sites of special ecological and conservation value.

Legislation and Nature Conservation

The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, who is also the Country and Marine Parks Authority, is responsible for the conservation of terrestrial and marine ecological resources, and for the enforcement of legislation on nature conservation issues.

The Forests and Countryside Ordinance provides for the general protection of vegetation and gives special protection to certain rare plants, including native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits hunting and the sale or export of protected wild animals taken in Hong Kong. It also restricts entry to three important wildlife habitats that are designated as 'restricted areas' under the ordinance: the Mai Po Marshes, the Yim Tso Ha Egretry and the green turtle nesting beach at Sham Wan.

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance imposes. controls on the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export and possession of endangered species in order to prevent their over-exploitation.

The Country Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Country parks can also be designated for compatible recreation and tourism uses.

The Marine Parks Ordinance provides for the designation, protection and management of marine parks and marine reserves for nature conservation, education and scientific research purposes. Recreational activities such as swimming and diving are allowed in marine parks.

Besides general conservation of the countryside, the Government has been identifying and conserving sites of special scientific interest, such as natural habitats