​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, will depart for Guangzhou tomorrow afternoon (January 15) to attend the 12th Guangdong-Hong Kong Liaison Meeting on the 15th National Games and the 12th N… read more
The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 is 108 (down 0.2 against yesterday’s index). read more
The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 is 108 (down 0.2 against yesterday’s index). read more
In response to the Japanese Government’s plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
From noon on January 13 to noon today (January 14), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 100 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the “aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt” category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS’s thematic website titled “Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan” (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO’s website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
From August 24, 2023, to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 110 405 samples of food imported from Japan (including 71 853 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 25 370 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests. read more
The Hong Kong Space Museum will screen a new 3D dome show, “Arctic 3D: Our Frozen Planet”, at its Space Theatre from tomorrow (January 15). This immersive journey through the Arctic’s four seasons captures its magnificent scenery and offers intimate glimpses of polar bears, seals, walruses and other polar creatures, while highlighting the significant impacts of climate change.
At Earth’s northernmost reaches, a vast realm of ice and snow nurtures extraordinary life, and the 22-minute show captures the most spectacular moments. Summer brings both renewal and challenges as walruses undergo their annual molt, now increasingly stressed by record-breaking temperatures that turn their thick layers of blubber into a burden. A young harp seal embarks on a life-changing journey, transforming from a white-furred pup to a skilled swimmer through brief but crucial maternal guidance. Under the endless summer sun, the Arctic Ocean teems with life as plankton blooms attract diverse marine species, including the mysteriously elegant narwhals. The 3D dome show also reveals polar bears navigating seamlessly between ice and water, while Lapland bumblebees emerge from hibernation to paint the tundra in vibrant colours.
As rising temperatures cause massive glaciers to break apart and sea ice to melt, the Arctic’s ecosystem is facing an unprecedented crisis. For generations, indigenous Inuit have called this magical landscape home, and their traditional knowledge has helped scientists understand the Arctic’s rapid changes. The Inuit rely on sled dogs to travel and hunt on the sea ice. However, climate change has made the ice gradually thinner and more fragile, making each journey increasingly hazardous. As global warming affects the entire planet, this show encourages audiences to reflect and take urgent action to protect the Arctic’s future.
The show will be screened until October 13. Screening times are 2pm and 6.30pm on weekdays and 12.30pm and 5pm on weekends and public holidays respectively. Tickets priced at $30 (front stalls) and $40 (stalls) are now available at the Hong Kong Space Museum Box Office and URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For details of the show, please visit hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/shows/3d-show/arctic-3d.html, or call 2721 0226 for enquiries.
The Hong Kong Space Museum, located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays).
