ENG-2007 — Page 335

The Environment | 283

Despite being close to the northern geographic limit for the growth of hard corals, Hong Kong supports some 80 hard coral species. This diversity of corals is quite rich by international standards. A variety of marine fish also breeds 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. 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 part, where the waters are predominantly oceanic.

To enhance inshore marine resources, the AFCD has installed artificial reefs to improve fisheries resources and biodiversity. The Marine Parks programme continues. to be important for 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 trees and vegetation. Its subsidiary legislation, Forestry Regulations, controls the selling and possession of certain attractive plants to deter illegal hoarding. These include native camellias, magnolias, orchids, azaleas and the Chinese New Year flower.

The Wild Animals Protection Ordinance prohibits the hunting and sale or export of protected wild animals found in Hong Kong. It also restricts entry into three important wildlife habitats that are designated as 'restricted areas'. These areas are: 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 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 may be used for compatible recreation and tourism purposes.

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.