The Government's inter-departmental working group responsible for tackling management issues of oyster rafts in Deep Bay started to remove oyster rafts not authorised to temporarily remain at that location (i.e. oyster rafts without markers) today (June 13).
The working group provided markers with unique identification numbers to local oyster farmers whose oyster rafts had been authorised to temporarily remain in Deep Bay. These markers should be attached to their corresponding oyster rafts for the working group to inspect. The working group started to remove oyster rafts without attached markers as well as all associated items today under the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) in accordance with the first phase of the management plan.
A spokesman for the working group said, "The working group will continue taking appropriate action, including the removal operation. Persons related to these oyster rafts may also be legally liable. The working group will assess factors such as navigational safety, water quality, and environmental conditions in Deep Bay, as well as the condition of oyster rafts authorised to temporarily remain in the next stage. With reference to this assessment, the working group will determine the culture area, actual number of oyster rafts, and culture locations to be permitted for oyster cultivation in Deep Bay under the management plan."
The Government's inter-departmental working group consists of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Lands Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Marine Department, the Environmental Protection Department, and the Home Affairs Department. Members of the public can call 2150 7093, fax to 2314 2866 or email mailbox@afcd.gov.hk to contact the working group.
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