AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island.
During a joint operation with the Police yesterday (April 15), the AFCD intercepted a local vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages at around 9pm for investigation. Some fishing gear, including snake cages and winches, was seized by the AFCD officers from the vessel.
After investigation, the five persons were charged with contravening the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 17).
Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of the Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps also stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, it is unlawful to fish using snake cages. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
An AFCD spokesman stressed, "The Government is committed to combating illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows some of the winches seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows some of the snake cages seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (April 16) laid charges against a local coxswain and four Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters off Lamma Island. Photo shows the local vessel concerned. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Advisory Committee on Water Supplies concludes visit to Dongjiang Water Supply System
The following is issued on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies:
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang (DJ) Water Supply System today (November 5). With the fruitful visit, ACWS members considered that the DJ Water Supply System is well managed and modernised with the latest technologies, and that the DJ water supplied to Hong Kong is of good quality.
The delegation visited the Taiyuan Pumping Station and the Qiling Aqueduct in Dongguan this morning, and the Shenzhen Reservoir and the adjacent Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Centre in Shenzhen this afternoon. The Committee members learned that the DJ water supplied to Hong Kong is extracted at the Taiyuan Pumping Station and conveyed via a dedicated aqueduct to the Shenzhen Reservoir before being transmitted to Hong Kong, ensuring that the DJ water remains unaffected by developments in the cities along the transmission route. During the visit, members exchanged views with relevant Guangdong authorities on the DJ water quality monitoring system and technologies, expressing satisfaction with the comprehensive water quality monitoring system and advanced testing capabilities.
The delegation also took the opportunity to visit the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project Exhibition Hall next to the Shenzhen Reservoir. The Hall, recently renovated, utilises multimedia facilities to showcase the history and development of the DJ water supply to Hong Kong. A member remarked that the exhibition was informative and impactful, helping the public and students appreciate the country's support and care for Hong Kong through the DJ water supply.
Before the conclusion of the visit, the delegation met with local government officials to exchange views on issues relating to the operation of the DJ Water Supply System. In concluding the visit, the Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung, remarked that the two-day visit was substantive and diversified, covering several major operational points of the DJ Water Supply System and giving members an insight into the actual situation of the DJ water supplied to Hong Kong. He also noted that the Guangdong authorities have invested substantial resources over the years to safeguard the quantity and quality of the DJ water supplied to Hong Kong, and have introduced a variety of advanced technologies to achieve stringent monitoring, intelligent prediction-making abilities and rapid responses to various potential risks, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of high-quality and reliable DJ water to Hong Kong. This fully demonstrates the rigorous attitude and effectiveness of the Guangdong side in managing the DJ Water Supply System.
The terms of reference of the ACWS are to advise the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through the Director of Water Supplies on matters relating to water supplies, including water resources, network management, regulation and control of inside services, water conservation and other operational matters. Its membership comprises academics, green advocates, professionals, representatives from the trade, and officials from related government departments and bureaux.
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang Water Supply System today (November 5). Photo shows the Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung (second right), the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (first right), and ACWS members meeting with local government officials this afternoon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang Water Supply System today (November 5). Photo shows the Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung (first left); the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (second right); and ACWS members Ms Polly Chan (second left) and Ms Apple Lai (first right) visiting the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Project Exhibition Hall next to the Shenzhen Reservoir this afternoon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang Water Supply System today (November 5). Photo shows ACWS members Professor Gilman Siu (first left), Professor Michael Leung (centre), Mr Harry Lai (second right), and Professor Louis Lock (first right) learning about the applications of AI to enhance the efficiency of the water quality monitoring system in the Environmental Water Quality Monitoring Centre this afternoon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang Water Supply System today (November 5). Photo shows the Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung (second right), the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (third right), and ACWS members inspecting the water quality of the dedicated aqueduct at the Qiling Aqueduct in Dongguan this morning. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
A delegation of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) concluded a two-day visit to the Dongjiang Water Supply System today (November 5). Photo shows the Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung (seventh right), the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (eighth right), and ACWS members at the Taiyuan Pumping Station in Dongguan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
