AFCD reports to Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals on progress of work and recommendations for strengthening protection of cetaceans
The Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals held its third meeting today (June 16), where the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reported to the expert group on the Government's progress in strengthening the conservation of marine mammals and made recommendations for enhancing the protection of cetaceans.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Photo source: reference image
The specific progress and follow-up work are as follows:
(I) Strengthening co-operation with the Chinese Mainland: In August 2025, the AFCD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to deepen the rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and to strengthen the exchange of experience and technology to improve the ecological safety of the adjacent waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
In addition, to strengthen the protection of the Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, the AFCD signed an MOU on the CWD Conservation Co-operation Platform with the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary CWD National Nature Reserve Management Bureau in November 2025. This MOU aims to co-ordinate co-operation between the two places in areas such as CWD ecological monitoring and research, joint rescue, protected areas management and monitoring, and marine conservation education.
(II) Review of legislation: The Government has commenced a review of the legislation relating to the protection of marine mammals. Preliminary proposals include granting new powers to the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to promptly designate "Temporary Marine Restricted Areas" (TMRAs) in Hong Kong waters where human intervention is required for the protection or rescue of cetaceans. The TMRAs would allow for the restriction or prohibition of vessels, persons, and related activities within the area, thereby minimising disturbance to cetaceans. The Government also proposes to confer legal status on the existing Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching.
The Government is consulting with stakeholders and plans to submit an amendment bill to the Legislative Council this year.
The expert group expressed support for the relevant recommendations and work direction put forward by the AFCD. The AFCD expressed gratitude to the expert group for its constructive advice and will continue to co-operate with the expert group to enhance the conservation efforts for marine mammals.
Whale found in Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video)
The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, arrived in Hong Kong today (June 16) to conduct an inspection of Hong Kong's alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the advancement of the Northern Metropolis development.
In the morning, Mr Xia visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre in the company of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. He was briefed on the planning and development of the new development area, particularly on the pilot area of large-scale land disposal in Hung Shui Kiu and the development of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park. During the visit, Mr Xia was also briefed on the transport planning as well as the construction of the railway and the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in the new development area.
Mr Xia later paid a visit to the Hung Shui Kiu University Town Area to inspect the planning, development vision and latest progress of the Northern Metropolis University Town. He also visited the Light Public Housing on Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, to listen to a briefing on the latest progress of the Light Public Housing projects. He then visited a family of four and had an exchange with them.
Next, Mr Xia visited the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark to learn about the innovation and technology industry developments in Hong Kong.
In the afternoon, Mr Xia went to the Kwu Tung North New Development Area to inspect the construction progress of housing, transport, government offices and other ancillary facilities in the area. He later visited the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop to learn about its overall development plan and latest position, as well as the construction progress of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site. Mr Xia afterwards visited the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital in the Lok Ma Chau Loop to inspect its operations.
In the evening, Mr Xia visited AsiaWorld-Expo to learn about how Hong Kong transforms mega events into new economic impetus to help the city seize the development opportunities brought about by the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Officials accompanying the visits included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip.
Mr Xia will continue his visit to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 17).
Source: AI-found images
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives in Hong Kong for inspection visit (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
