Suspected Whale Carcass Discovered in Sai Kung, Investigation Underway by AFCD and Ocean Park Teams

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) received a referral from 1823 this morning (January 29) regarding the discovery of a suspected whale carcass in Ham Tin Wan, Sai Kung. The AFCD staff, together with personnel from Ocean Park Hong Kong and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, immediately attended the scene for investigation.

Preliminary assessment indicates that the carcass measured approximately 11 metres in length. Due to the severe decomposition, a necropsy cannot be further conducted to determine the cause of death. Staff are working to dispose of the carcass and clean up the area as quickly as possible, with completion expected tomorrow. Meanwhile, members of the public should avoid approaching the area to prevent hindering the disposal process and causing danger.

The deceased whale was not a local species. It is preliminarily believed to be a baleen whale. Based on the degree of decomposition of the carcass, it is estimated to have been dead for some time. It is believed that the carcass drifted into the waters of Ham Tin Wan from the open seas.

According to records, baleen whales are distributed almost globally across oceans, with different species inhabiting distinct waters. Baleen whales typically forage in the cold, high-latitude waters around the Arctic and Antarctic during the summer. In the winter, they migrate to warmer, low-latitude or tropical waters for breeding and nurturing their young.

The AFCD urges the public to report any whale sightings or stranded cetaceans immediately by calling 1823 or using the 1823 mobile application. Members of the public are reminded to maintain a safe distance from cetaceans, and prioritise personal safety to avoid dangerous situations.

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Whale carcass found in Ham Tin Wan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Photo source: reference image

Speech by DSJ at graduation ceremony of Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice

Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the graduation ceremony of the Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice today (September 11):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. In the blink of an eye, the one-week Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice has come to a close. On behalf of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, I would like to congratulate you on the successful completion of the course. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce for their invaluable support throughout the course.

Over the past week, we have explored a broad range of issues at the heart of international trade and investment. Our discussions began with geopolitical developments shaping the international trade, before turning to other sensitive issues such as export control measures and sanctions. We also examined legal drafting and dispute resolution issues, explored the global trade rules and emerging trade policy instruments, and discussed the impact of technological developments concerning virtual currencies and artificial intelligence. Finally, we concluded the course with an insightful panel discussion on Chinese enterprises going global and the role of Hong Kong's professional services sector.

I am sure that you would now have a better understanding of the various issues covered by this course, and would also appreciate how Hong Kong's legal and professional services can support Chinese enterprises in their global expansion. Allow me to add a few words on the last point by introducing the relevant initiatives of the Department of Justice, the DoJ.

To strengthen the connection between enterprises and Hong Kong's professional services sector, the DoJ has launched a number of new initiatives. First, we have been bringing Hong Kong's legal and other professionals directly into contact with enterprises pursuing global expansion. Second, in April this year, the DoJ published the Panel List of Hong Kong Legal Services Providers Supporting "Go Global". The list provides enterprises with a convenient reference point when looking for suitable Hong Kong legal service providers. Besides, we have compiled two collections of success stories. These publications highlight the experience and capabilities of Hong Kong's legal, accounting, financial and business consultancy sectors. Taken together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong's role as a premier centre for international legal and professional services.

As the course draws to a close, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of this programme. In particular, I would like to thank our distinguished speakers, including the moderators. Their time, preparation, and generosity in sharing their knowledge and practical experience have greatly enriched the course, and have made this course both intellectually stimulating and highly practical.

And of course, I would also like to thank all of you. Your active participation, your thoughtful questions, and valuable contributions have made this course far more than a series of lectures. I have just had the pleasure of hearing some of you sharing your reflections on the course. It has been most encouraging to hear your positive feedback, and the practical insights you have taken away for putting those insights into practice in your work. We hope that the knowledge, perspectives, and connections developed during the course will be useful in your current work, and will continue to support your professional development in the years ahead.

Before we conclude, I invite all of you to take a few minutes to complete the feedback form. Your views and suggestions are invaluable to us, and will help us further enhance our future training programmes.

I am sure that, after this week, many of you will leave Hong Kong with good memories of the city. We would be delighted to welcome you back for the Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, which will be held from November 2 to 6, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Legal Week is an annual flagship event of the DoJ, bringing together legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics and representatives from leading international organisations from Hong Kong and around the world. This year's theme is "Collaboration & Innovation: Legal Synergy for a Shared Future". It will feature practical exchanges and forward-looking discussions on cross-border trade, international legal co-operation, lawtech, etc, while showcasing Hong Kong's role as an international legal and dispute resolution hub and a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and other markets. We very much look forward to welcoming you back to Hong Kong in November.

On this note, I wish you every success in your future endeavours, and a safe and pleasant journey home.

Speech by DSJ at graduation ceremony of Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by DSJ at graduation ceremony of Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases