01/09/2005 – WWF has proposed
a new economic model for the north-east waters
around Hong Kong that will improve the area’s
marine environment and livelihoods of surrounding
communities.
WWF is proposing the need for fishing bans
in this area to give fisheries a chance of
recovery from their critically over-fished
state.
“The key to making this a reality would be
to designate Tolo Harbour, Port Shelter, and
all marine parks as “no-take” zones,” said
Markus Shaw, Chairman of WWF-Hong Kong.
No-take zones currently proposed in a Fisheries
Protection Ordinance Bill in front of the
Hong Kong legislature would amount to protecting
only 2 per cent of Hong Kong’s territorial
waters.
“That is less than one-tenth of what is required,
and without well defined borders it will be
difficult to enforce,” Shaw added.
“Our proposed no-take zones would cover 8
per cent of Hong Kong’s territorial waters
– this is a meaningful size, with clear borders
that will see an explosive recovery in fish
stocks.”
The proposal is part of WWF Hong Kong’s SOS–Save
Our Seas campaign, whose two main objectives
are the banning of inshore trawling in Hong
Kong waters and the creation of sizeable no-take
reserves in order to restore critically degraded
fisheries and marine ecosystems. In particular,
the foundation of WWF’s new economic model
is based on sustainable tourism and recreation
activities.
Initial investment will be needed, for example,
to compensate local fishermen for loss of
fishing in no-take areas, and to re-train
fishermen for new roles, such as commercial
boat operators used for scuba diving and touring.
“This is an investment with a clear return,”
said Shaw.
"Economic benefits to the local communities
will far outweigh the costs involved. It’s
a win for fishermen, both those who adopt
alternative livelihoods and those who continue
to fish. They should see increased catches
on the fringes of the no-take zones as fish
and fry spill out of the reserves.”
