Government responds to media enquiries on operation of fishponds within area of planning Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park
A Government spokesman today (July 7) reiterated that natural ecology and agriculture and fisheries resources are both vital assets of Hong Kong, and the Government attaches great importance to balancing their conservation and sustainable development. The planned Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park (SPS WCP) is a key demonstration project that integrates the creation of ecosystem value into the transformation of the agriculture and fisheries industries. The SPS WCP will provide eco-friendly fishpond habitats to maintain a balance between aquaculture and ecology, so as to promote the synergistic effect of pond fish culture and nature conservation, and implement modernised aquaculture technologies and management. With biodiversity conservation at its core, this approach will take forward a new, conservation-based paradigm for the industry that combines the upgrading and transformation with sustainable development, and thereby realise the co-existence of conservation and aquaculture.
The planned Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, Photo source: FB@Civil Engineering and Development Department
The SPS WCP is positioned with the theme "Biodiversity and Aquaculture in Harmony". By restoring and enhancing existing wetland habitats, the project aims to enhance the ecological functions of the wetland systems in the Deep Bay area and protect bird flight corridors and habitats. At the same time, it will provide citizens and visitors with a rich eco-tourism experience and introduce modernised aquaculture facilities and techniques, and thus achieve triple objectives of wetland conservation, eco-education, recreation and tourism development, and the modernisation of the aquaculture industry.
With regard to spatial planning, the majority of the area within the SPS WCP (approximately 253 hectares (ha)) is planned to be managed as "Ecologically Enhanced Fishponds" (EEF) that serve the dual functions of nature conservation and pond fish culture. Through proactive conservation measures such as physical modification, reprofiling and management planning of the fishponds, the habitat quality and biodiversity of the wetland habitats can be enhanced, thereby increasing the overall ecological function of the wetlands. These EEF will also adopt eco-friendly aquaculture practices, with suitable adoption of modernised aquaculture technologies, which can improve the production efficiency and quality while reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
The planned Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, Photo source: FB@Civil Engineering and Development Department
In addition, approximately 35 ha within the SPS WCP is planned to be managed as "Enhanced Freshwater Wetland" habitats, where proactive conservation measures such as establishing areas of varying water depth, providing dense vegetation cover, maintaining seasonal wetlands, etc., will be implemented to provide birds and other wildlife species with diverse micro-habitats.
Furthermore, to promote the use of technology in aquaculture, a "Fisheries Enhancement Area" (FEA) of approximately 40 ha will be established within the SPS WCP area adjacent to the San Tin Technopole, where the ecological value is lower. The FEA will introduce modernised, high-yield aquaculture facilities and technologies, implement modernised aquaculture management practices, and adopt high-density culture operations for pond fish farming. It will utilise existing fishponds, abandoned fishponds, and brownfield areas as far as possible. Indoor and outdoor facilities (such as recirculating aquaculture systems, outdoor sheltered ponds, purging ponds/facilities etc.) will be set up, thereby enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local fisheries produce.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, together with the Civil Engineering and Development Department, are moving full steam ahead with the phased establishment of the SPS WCP. Clearance of the land within the Phase 1 Stage 1 area of the SPS WCP has been completed. Construction works for Phase 1 of the SPS WCP are expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027 the earliest, and completed by 2031.
During the interim period, uses within the proposed park area will remain subject to regulation. The relevant departments will continue to enforce regulations and take forward prosecutions against unauthorised developments, illegal waste dumping and other related illegal activities within the proposed SPS WCP area under relevant ordinances, including the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131), the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) and the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28). Relevant departments will step up inspections, such as utilising new technologies (for instance drones) to assist in monitoring and investigations, and prioritise cases related to this area.
The planned Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, Photo source: FB@Civil Engineering and Development Department
