ENG-2020 — Page 277

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The Environment

reports of people being bitten by highly venomous snakes are rare. Among the five species of sea turtles recorded in Hong Kong waters, only the green turtle is known to be breeding locally.

Marine

Hong Kong's subtropical marine environment supports species found in both tropical and temperate climates. Local waters contain a wide diversity of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other marine life, of which many are of fisheries significance. Situated on the eastern bank of the Pearl River Estuary, Hong Kong receives fresh water from the river, especially in its western. waters. The waters on the eastern side, on the other hand, are little influenced by the Pearl River outflow and are predominantly oceanic in nature. This unusual hydrography contributes to the high diversity of marine life.

Despite being close to the northern geographic limit for their growth, Hong Kong supports 84 species of hard corals. This diversity is quite rich by international standards. A variety of marine fish also breeds in local 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 better known of the two. It prefers an estuarine environment and inhabits the western waters, while the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise lives in the eastern and southern parts, where the waters are predominantly oceanic.

The government's Marine Parks programme is important in protecting and conserving sites of special ecological and conservation value. In addition, artificial reefs are deployed in suitable waters to improve inshore fishery resources and biodiversity.

Protected Areas

About 40 per cent of Hong Kong's total land area is designated as country parks and special areas for conservation and recreation. There are 24 country parks and 22 special areas covering 44,312 hectares of scenic hills, woodlands, reservoirs, islands, indented coastlines, marshes and uplands. They are carefully protected for nature conservation, education and scientific studies.

Management responsibilities include the protection of woodland and vegetation against hill fire, control of development, tree planting, litter collection, the provision of educational and recreational facilities, and the promotion of a better understanding of the countryside.

There are six marine parks and one marine reserve covering about 4,000 hectares of scenic coastal areas, seascapes and important biological habitats. The marine reserve is dedicated to conservation, education and scientific studies. Fishing in marine parks is regulated through a permit system and totally banned in the marine reserve. Publicity and educational activities are organised for students and other members of the public.

Besides designating protected areas, the government identifies and conserves sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), such as areas with special geological features and natural habitats of rare plants or animals, by exercising strict land use planning and development controls. Sixty- seven sites are listed on the SSSI Register.

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