Expansion of Hong Kong

International Airport into a

Three-Runway System

Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Plan

August 2014
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Expansion of Hong Kong
249855 ENL ENL 03 A

International Airport into a

\\HKHONGVMADC02\Projects\Hong Kong\ENL\PROJECTS\308875 3rd
runway\03 Deliverables\11 Marine Environment and Fisheries
Enhancement Strategy Framework\Marine Ecology andApril 2012
Fisheries

Three-Runway System Enhancement Plan_27082014.doc

Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Plan

August 2014

Airport Authority Hong Kong

Airport Authority Hong Kong, HKIA Tower, 1 Sky Plaza Road, Hong Kong International
Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong

Mott MacDonald, 20/F AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
T +852 2828 5757 F +852 2827 1823, W www.mottmac.com
Expansion of Hong Kong International Airport into a Three-Runway
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Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Plan

Content
Chapter Title Page

1. Introduction 1
1.1 Background ________________________________________________________________________ 1

2. Existing Marine Parks and Marine Reserves 4

2.1 Background ________________________________________________________________________ 4

3. Preliminary Outline of the Marine Park Management and Enhancement Plan for 2,400 ha
Marine Park under 3RS EIA 7
3.1 Background ________________________________________________________________________ 7
3.2 Broad Approach to Setting up the Marine Park Management Plan ______________________________ 7
3.3 Enhancement in the Proposed Marine Park ______________________________________________ 10
3.4 Implementation and Timing ___________________________________________________________ 14

4. Additional Enhancement of Marine Habitats During Construction Phase of 3RS Project 15

4.1 Background _______________________________________________________________________ 15
4.2 Early Enhancement Measures Proposed in North Lantau Waters _____________________________ 15
4.3 Supporting Protection of CWDs in SCLKCMP ____________________________________________ 18
4.4 Enhancement in Southwest Lantau Waters ______________________________________________ 18
4.5 Dolphin Stranding Response and Education Programme ____________________________________ 20
4.6 Implementation and Timing ___________________________________________________________ 20

5. Encourage Scientific Research and Studies 21

5.1 Background _______________________________________________________________________ 21
5.2 Key Areas for Scientific Research and Study _____________________________________________ 21
5.3 Development of Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Strategy Framework for the Pearl River
Estuary __________________________________________________________________________ 22
5.4 Implementation and Timing ___________________________________________________________ 23

6. Promotion of Environmental Education and Eco-tourism 24

6.1 Background _______________________________________________________________________ 24
6.2 Broad Approach to Promote Environmental Education and Eco-tourism ________________________ 24
6.3 Implementation and Timing ___________________________________________________________ 25

7. Promotion of Sustainable Fisheries Industry 26

7.1 Background _______________________________________________________________________ 26
7.2 Broad Approach to Promote Sustainable Fisheries Industry __________________________________ 26
7.3 Implementation and Timing ___________________________________________________________ 27

8. Public Consultation / Stakeholder Engagement Plan 28

8.1 Past Stakeholder Engagement Activities during EIA ________________________________________ 28
8.2 Future Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the Proposed Marine Park __________________________ 28

9. Proposed Funding Arrangement 30

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Figures
Figure 3-1 Plots of CWD groups aquired from land-based stations ________________________________________ 8
Figure 3-2 Tentative Marine Park Management _______________________________________________________ 9
Figure 3-3 Proposed Enhancement Measures for the Marine Park upon its Designation ______________________ 12
Figure 3-4 Example of artificial reef – reef ball _______________________________________________________ 13
Figure 3-5 Fish fry restocking (AFCD, 2006) ________________________________________________________ 13
Figure 4-1 Potential Habitat Enhancement Areas in North Lantau Waters during Construction of 3RS ____________ 17
Figure 4-2 Enhancement of Southwest Lantau Waters during Construction of 3RS __________________________ 19

Tables
Table 2.1: Examples of zoning types in existing Marine Parks ____________________________________________ 5
Table 7.1 Major Engagement Activities conducted for the Proposed Marine Park during the EIA Process _________ 28
Table 9.1: Key Areas Supported by the Fisheries Enhancement Fund and Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund ____ 30

Appendix

A – Existing Marine Parks Management Plan

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

1.1.1 The proposed Three-Runway System (3RS) will involve around 650 ha of land formation resulting
in direct loss of marine ecology and fisheries habitats / fishing grounds. In particular, the loss of
650 ha of habitat for Chinese White Dolphins (CWD), also known as Indo-Pacific Humpback
Dolphin (Sousa chinensis), is evaluated to be of high impact to the Hong Kong sub-population of
the CWD. A new area of Marine Park (approx. 2,400 ha) is therefore proposed to help mitigate
expected marine ecological and fisheries environmental impacts and provide a positive influence
on restoration and recovery of marine ecological and fisheries resources in affected waters. The
proposed Marine Park will provide critical linkages between the current Sha Chau and Lung Kwu
Chau Marine Park (SCLKCMP) with an area of 1,200 ha and the planned Brothers Marine Park
(BMP) with an area of 850 ha. Together, all three Marine Parks would make up about 4,450 ha of
marine protected area, significantly improving the conservation prospects for the Hong Kong sub-
population of CWDs after it is in place by effectively mitigating the impacts of habitat loss,
fragmentation, changes in patterns of habitat use, as well as minimising the noise and
disturbance from marine traffic, especially high-speed ferries (HSFs). Furthermore, habitat
enhancement is expected to occur over time in particular from the expanded matrix of marine
protected area, potentially bringing benefits to ecological and fisheries resources.

1.1.2 A management plan for the proposed Marine Park will be formulated, in consultation with AFCD,
covering information on the responsible departments for operation and management (O&M) of
the Marine Park, as well as the O&M duties of each of the departments involved. The
management plan will be submitted to Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval
before the commissioning of the 3RS project.

1.1.3 Notwithstanding this, further measures are also recommended to enhance marine ecology
(including health and survivability of the CWD) in North and Southwest Lantau waters.
Furthermore, the Airport Authority of Hong Kong (AAHK) has noted concerns raised by fishermen
during 3RS EIA engagement activities over impacts arising from the proposed 3RS reclamation
and it is anticipated that the significant increase in marine protected area (covering both the new
Marine Park and the expanded airport marine exclusion zone) may also have negative impacts
on some fishermen. To seek to expedite habitat / marine ecology recovery and enhancement and
to address the impacts on and concerns of the fishermen (including to provide relief to affected
fishermen), a Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Plan (MEFEP) is proposed to outline a
tentative management plan of the new Marine Park for 3RS and to enhance the effectiveness of
the new Marine Park with the intention of adding to existing management measures as defined in
the Marine Parks Ordinance where feasible and practicable. The MEFEP comes under the
Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy (MEFES), the key concepts of which are
presented in Section 13.13 of the EIA report.

1.1.4 It should be noted that the MEFES and associated enhancement and assistance initiatives are
not intended to address or directly mitigate impacts as identified in the EIA as these are already
addressed through specific construction practices, mitigation measures and monitoring programs
also defined in the EIA. The range of measures recommended in the EIA include minimisation of
land formation area, use of construction methods with minimal risk/disturbance, consideration of
alternative alignment for pipeline diversion with minimal risk/disturbance, consideration of
alternative treatment to existing pipelines after diversion, strict enforcement of no-dumping policy,
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good construction site practices, water quality mitigation measures, pre-construction phase coral
dive survey as precautionary measure, SkyPier HSF speed restrictions and route diversions,
dolphin exclusion zones, acoustic decoupling of construction equipment, spill response plans,
and construction vessel speed limits and skipper training as well as establishment of the
proposed new Marine Park to tie in with the full operation of the 3RS.

1.1.5 The total area of the new Marine Park to be established for this project is approximately 2,400 ha,
which is much greater than the loss of marine water habitat of 650 ha. With the full
implementation of all of the proposed mitigation, and compensation/enhancement measures in
place, it would be expected that there would be no significant residual impacts on the CWD sub-
population in Hong Kong. It is considered not necessary to implement other / additional specific
mitigation measures for other marine ecological resources, as the proposed establishment of
Marine Park and the operation of future HKIAAA will also benefit the conservation of marine
ecology.

1.1.6 Nonetheless, it is envisaged that enhancements and support initiatives as proposed in the
MEFES will serve to further ensure that during and after the 3RS project a range of practicable
actions and measures are taken giving cumulative benefit to marine ecology and fisheries in
North Lantau Waters, including to those fishermen impacted by the 3RS development. It is
proposed that the MEFES will be supported by AAHK committed funds to ensure key objectives
can be achieved. The MEFES intends to achieve the following key objectives:
 Enhancement of habitats for marine ecology and fishery resources;
 Promotion of a sustainable fisheries industry (e.g. assisting fishermen in better coping with
changes to their fishing activities resulting from the 3RS project and/or supporting initiatives
that can enhance fisheries resources in western Hong Kong waters);
 Encouragement of scientific research and studies; and
 Promotion of environmental education and eco-tourism.

1.1.7 The Framework for MEFES has been developed based on the ecological and fisheries baseline
information collected during the course of the 3RS Project EIA study and the on-going public
consultation with different stakeholders.

1.1.8 Following this introductory section, the remainder of this Plan is set out as follows:
 Chapter 2 - provides detail on the existing legislative framework for Marine Parks and Marine
Reserves;
 Chapter 3 - provides an outline of the tentative management plan for the new Marine Park;
 Chapter 4 - proposes measures to enhance marine ecology during the construction phase of
the 3RS;
 Chapter 5 – proposes measures and examples on encouraging scientific research and
studies as well as plans to focus additional CWD research on Mainland PRE CWD
abundance and population biology in order to develop a conservation strategy framework for
the whole PRE CWD population;
 Chapter 6 – introduces the broad approach on the promotion of environmental education and
eco-tourism
 Chapter 7 - proposes the broad approach on promoting a sustainable fisheries industry

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 Chapter 8 – summarises past and planned future stakeholder engagement activity in relation
both to the future marine park designation and fisheries and marine ecology enhancement
plans;
 Chapter 9 - provides details of the funding arrangements necessary to implement the
MEFEP.

1.1.9 It is intended that the proposed MEFEP would be a dynamic document that is continually updated
and developed during the various phases of the 3RS project, including pre-construction,
construction, post-construction and operation.

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2. Existing Marine Parks and Marine

Reserves
2.1 Background

2
2.1.1 Hong Kong has a total sea area of approximately 1,650 km , which contributes to about 60% of
the total area of Hong Kong. The distribution and diversity of Hong Kong’s marine environment is
influenced by various ocean currents and discharges from the Pearl River. It lies within the
tropical and subtropical region, and the eastern waters are predominantly oceanic due to the
seasonal monsoon currents, which bring warm water to Hong Kong during winter and allow the
survival of hard coral species. On the other hand, the western Hong Kong waters are deeply
affected by the Pearl River discharge especially during wet season, and is characterised by low
salinity but high organic nutrient levels. This supports a rich diversity of marine fauna and flora
and provides an essential nursery grounds for many coastal and oceanic fish and shellfish
species. Due to the richness in fisheries and prey resources, the western waters of Hong Kong
form important habitats for the CWDs.

2.1.2 To protect and conserve Hong Kong’s existing marine environment from various anthropogenic
threats such as sewage discharge, seabed dredging, dumping, coastal reclamation and
destructive fishing, the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476) was enacted in 1995. It vests the
Country and Marine Parks Authority the power to designate, control and manage Marine Parks
and Marine Reserves under the advice of the Country and Marine Parks Board. The Marine
Parks and Marine Reserves Regulation (Cap. 476A) was enacted in 1996 to prohibit and control
certain activities within Marine Parks or Marine Reserve.

2.1.2.1 The Marine Parks Ordinance provides the following key protection to designated Marine Parks
and Marine Reserves:
 Vessel speed restrictions to 10 knots;
 No person is allowed to moor or anchor a vessel in a Marine Park or Marine Reserve except
under and in accordance with a permit or at mooring buoys or mooring sites provided by the
Marine Parks Authority;
 The Marine Parks Authority may, if he considers it necessary in the interests of good
management, prohibit or restrict the entry into, or movement within a Marine Park or Marine
Reserve or part thereof of any person, vehicle or vessel;
 Commercial and group activities are controlled and require authorisation;
 Prohibition of fishing, hunting, collecting or possessing animals and plants in Marine Park or
Marine Reserve, unless with a permit granted;
 Perturbation of the eggs, juvenile, or the nesting sites of any protected marine species is
forbidden;
 Possession of destructive fishing devices including trawl nets, spear gun, explosives,
chemicals or devices using electric charge is not allowed;
 Water skiing, jet skiing or water scootering are not permitted;
 All mariculture operations are prohibited;
 No person shall within a Marine Park or Marine Reserve deface, injure, soil or defile any
notice, marker, buoy, facility or installation erected, used or maintained by the Marine Parks
Authority; obstruct or pollute in any way any pool or body of water; or deposit any litter; and
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 Damaging any shoreline features on a beach, mudflat, cliff or seabed is not allowed.

2.1.3 Marine Parks are set aside for conservation and recreation purpose, and no new development is
allowed without prior approval in writing of the Marine Parks Authority. Furthermore the Country
and Marine Parks Authority may, at its discretion, issue permits to conduct controlled activities
such as fishing by bona fide fishermen or indigenous villagers, meetings, group activities, sports
competitions and commercial activities.

2.1.4 Marine Reserves generally have a smaller area of coverage compared to Marine Parks but have
much higher conservation value, controls are much more stringent than in Marine Parks.
Activities are firmly restricted to scientific and education study for which prior authorisation has to
be obtained. In addition, no swimming, diving and boating are permitted in Marine Reserves.

2.1.5 Wardens patrol the Marine Parks and Marine Reserve on a daily basis by both land and sea, day
and night, and at irregular hours to take enforcement action against anyone who infringes the
Marine Parks Ordinance or relevant regulations. Any contravention may lead to a fine of HKD
25,000 and one year imprisonment.

2.1.6 There are currently four Marine Parks and one Marine Reserve in Hong Kong. They are Hoi Ha
Wan Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, SCLKCMP, Tung Ping Chau Marine Park and
Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve.

2.1.7 All the Marine Parks in Hong Kong are managed so as to satisfy the needs of different users,
while at the same time conserving the marine environment. Zoning Plan is devised as an effective
management measure to fulfil the multi-functional purposes of Marine Parks. Table 2.1
summarises some examples of zoning types in existing Marine Parks. Details of the Management
Plan for each Marine Park are provided in Appendix A.

2.1.8 On-site notices and signboards are installed at prominent locations to notify visitors about the
Marine Park regulations, code of conduct to observe when visiting the Marine Parks, natural
setting and ecology of the surrounding area and other informative and education messages.

Table 2.1: Examples of zoning types in existing Marine Parks

Zoning Types Purpose (and Location)
Anchoring Areas  The only area in the marine parks where anchoring
is allowed. Anchoring area is established to avoid
improper anchoring activities which may result in
coral damaging. (Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Yan
Chau Tong Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau
Marine Park)

Core Areas  Core areas are designated to protect corals and

other valuable marine lives. All fishing activities are
prohibited inside core area. (Tung Ping Chau Marine
Park)

Mechanized Vessels Prohibited Zone  The entry of mechanized vessels in this zone is
prohibited. This zone is used to protect the divers
and snorkelers from collision by mechanized vessels
in coastal area. (Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park)

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Zoning Types Purpose (and Location)

Inboard Vessels Prohibited Zone  This entry of inboard mechanized vessels in this
zone is prohibited. This area is used to protect
corals in the shallow coastal area from collision by
large inboard mechanized vessels. (Hoi Ha Wan
Marine Park)

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3. Preliminary Outline of the Marine Park

Management and Enhancement Plan for
2,400 ha Marine Park under 3RS EIA
3.1 Background

3.1.1 As detailed in Section 1.1, in order to compensate for the 672 ha of seabed habitat and 650 ha of
open waters habitat loss associated with the land formation for the 3RS project, the establishment
of a new marine park matrix is proposed which would comprise an area of approximately 2,400
ha, which also provide critical linkages between the current SCLKCMP with an area of 1,200 ha
and the planned BMP with an area of 850 ha.

3.1.2 A detailed study initiated and led by AAHK will be carried out after approval of the 3RS project to
review relevant previous studies and collate available information on the ecological
characteristics of the proposed area for Marine Park designation and review available survey data,
marine traffic and planned development projects in the vicinity. Based on the results of the
ecological study, a management plan for the proposed Marine Park will be formulated, in
consultation with AFCD, which will be submitted to EPD for approval before the commissioning of
the 3RS project.

3.1.3 Nevertheless, based on the relevant survey findings as obtained for the 3RS EIA a tentative
Marine Park management plan is outlined in this document to present the broad approach to be
adopted for establishing the management plan.

3.2 Broad Approach to Setting up the Marine Park Management Plan

3.2.1 From the 3RS EIA survey findings, CWDs use the airport north and airport west survey areas
(Figure 3-1) as part of their general habitat, with a variety of activities occurring in these areas.
The evidence collected appears to point to their major use for travelling areas between feeding
habitats to the east, at the Brothers and Sham Shui Kok, and to the west at the SCLKCMP and
west Lantau area. The area very close to the western border of the airport seems to be used for
at least some feeding, and may be useful for this function. The commercial marine traffic in area
to the west of existing airport island (Figure 3-1) is anticipated to be low during the operation
phase of 3RS. This is because with the airport island extended further to the north and west
under the 3RS, a high proportion of marine traffic would be diverted approximately 1 to 1.5 km
away from the existing western HKIA shoreline. Furthermore, these areas are adjacent to the
critical CWD habitats in West Lantau water. Therefore, with fewer disturbances from the
commercial marine traffic and the presence of Hong Kong International Airport Approach Areas
(HKIAAAs) which are marine exclusion zones, CWDs may utilize the embayed areas in waters
west of HKIA more frequently in future.

3.2.2 AAHK has in fact continued with the fine scale CWD monitoring of the Airport West area (as well
as CWD monitoring in other areas) after completion of the 14 months surveys undertaken for the
3RS EIA in order to allow further observation and study of CWD behaviour over time in this
area. This area is considered to have good potential for enhancement within the Marine Ecology
and Fisheries Enhancement Plan and will be an important focus for initiatives.

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Figure 3-1 Plots of CWD groups acquired from land-based stations

Location with expected reduction

in commercial marine traffic after
3RS reclamation

CWD positions collected from:

Station A
Station B
Station C
Station D

3.2.3 In view of the findings above, it is proposed to focus on waters west of HKIA as habitat
enhancement areas. The two areas between the HKIAAA as indicated in Figure 3-2 are
proposed as potential core area or mechanized vessels prohibited zone. According to Table 2.1,
core areas are designated to protect valuable marine species and all fishing activities are
prohibited inside this area; while mechanized vessels prohibited zone can be designated to
prevent collision between CWDs and mechanized vessels in coastal area, and is also expected to
lead to decrease in fishing activities due to restricted fishing vessel types that can gain entry. It is
envisioned that designation of these two areas as either core area or mechanized vessels
prohibited zone can serve to protect the CWDs, while the zoning type is subject to detailed design
and feasibility study, and consultation with stakeholders. Artificial reefs (AR) deployment and fish
fry release may be considered at appropriate locations within the potential core area or
mechanized vessels prohibited zone to enhance the marine ecological and fisheries resources,
as detailed in Section 4. Another potential core area or mechanize vessels prohibited zone is
identified outside eastern SCLKCMP, as it is shown to be an area with relatively high CWD
density by AFCD Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme.

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Figure 3-2 Tentative Marine Park Management

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3.2.4 The following proposed marine park management measures will be developed by AAHK and
these and potentially other measures would be proposed to AFCD for consideration in the Marine
Park Management Plan:

 Core areas where fishing activities are prohibited may also be designated at areas where coral
communities or coral species of conservation importance are recorded. These are subject to the
findings of the detailed ecological study which will be initiated by AAHK upon after approval of the
3RS project.

 Net ingestion and fishing net entanglement have been cited as causes of death for CWDs in
Hong Kong waters. As such, options may be explored to limit the activities of certain fishing gear
types (e.g. gill nets) within the proposed Marine Park to reduce the risks of net entanglement that
may cause injury to CWDs.

 Boundary light buoy, marine park information board and sign boards may be placed at prominent
locations within the proposed Marine Park to demarcate the Marine Park boundary, and to notify
users regarding the relevant regulations and control measures.

 Possible imposition of a fishing moratorium within the proposed Marine Park during the peak
spawning seasons of several commercial fisheries species (i.e. April to July) as part of the Marine
Park management approach.

3.3 Enhancement in the Proposed Marine Park

3.3.1 While a number of the management measures / controls / restrictions in a marine park are the
responsibility of the marine parks Authority (i.e. AFCD and the Country and Marine Parks Board)
certain initiatives and enhancements can be undertaken by others, if the support of the AFCD is
forthcoming – for example initiatives serving to enhance the marine ecology within a marine park.
During the development of the management plan, AA intends to explore all opportunities for
enhancing the value of the new marine park and will seek assistance from the AFCD for
implementing any identified initiatives that may further benefit marine ecology within marine
parks, with viable proposals funded under the MEFEP.

3.3.2 After the 3RS Project is completed, the HKIAAA will be increased to approximately 729 ha, this
area effectively a larger “fisheries no-take” zone that also has minimal anthropogenic disturbance
leading to improved capacity for healthy marine habitat / marine life in this area. As illustrated in
Figure 3-3, the 2,400-ha Marine Park that is proposed to be established to the North, West and
East of the expanded HKIAAA would strengthen ecological connectivity for example between
known CWDs hotspots and is also expected to enhance the ecological value of the existing
SCLKCMP and the planned BMP (and to some extent the National Chinese White Dolphin Nature
Reserve located in Mainland waters) due to the creation of important protected linkage and
interconnection of a large total area of marine protected area.

3.3.3 The longer artificial seawall along the expanded Airport island would also provide opportunities
for exploring design opportunities for eco-enhancement of the seawall at places where the water
current would be optimal and/or the siltation effect would be minimal. Potential seawall eco-
enhancement opportunities (see Figure 3-3) could involve promoting opportunities for re-

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colonisation of marine wildlife including intertidal flora and fauna and especially the gorgonians
that are localised in West Hong Kong waters.

3.3.4 Two possible locations (see Figure 3-3) are suggested for Artificial Reef (AR) deployment
(Figure 3-4) within the proposed Marine Park area to promote fisheries resources recovery.
These two locations are in the new embayed area that will be formed to the west of the airport
expansion area and within the future HKIAAA where hydrodynamic effects and wave action are
expected to be less significant and similar to the existing conditions in waters west of HKIA.

3.3.5 ARs could provide hard substrates for recolonisation of marine fauna that are expected to be
beneficial to fisheries resources. Based on the AFCD monitoring programme between 2000 and
2006, the existing AR deployment sites to the west of Sha Chau have managed to attract species
of high commercial value and rocky/hard habitat species. In the EIA Report for the Hong Kong-
Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HZMB HKBCF), it is also
recommended to provide ARs as ecological and fisheries compensation and enhancement
measures. Moreover, based on the AR deployment case at Parker Point in the industrial port of
Dampier, Western Australia, corals were found to be successfully colonised on the AR although
the turbidity was high. Local rocks, recycled concrete sleepers and reef balls have been used for
AR construction in the case of Parker Point, and these AR types may also be considered for
deployment in western Hong Kong waters. Nevertheless, prior to the AR deployment in the
proposed Marine Park, a detailed study will be conducted to investigate and develop the types of
AR which would best be suited to the hydrodynamic conditions and water quality within western
Hong Kong waters, to ensure their longevity and effectiveness, which will be subject to review by
marine mammal and fisheries experts to determine the overall benefits of additional AR
deployment to marine ecosystems. If supported and found to be of ecological value, AA would
initiate and fund such proposals under the MEFEP.

3.3.6 Restocking of fish fry (Figure 3-5) at the new AR sites may also be of value. Fish fry species
which may be considered for restocking include those of high commercial value (e.g. Green
Grouper and Russell’s Snapper) and prey species of CWDs (e.g. Mullet and Yellow Croaker).
Details of the proposed fish fry restocking shall be subject to feasibility study during the detailed
design stage and again if found to be of ecological value, AA would initiate and fund such
initiatives under the MEFEP.

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Figure 3-3 Proposed Enhancement Measures for the Marine Park upon its Designation

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Figure 3-4 Example of artificial reef – reef ball

Figure 3-5 Fish fry restocking (AFCD, 2006)

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3.4 Implementation and Timing

3.4.1 The management plan together with the enhancement measures for the proposed Marine Park
will be prepared, in consultation with AFCD, covering information on the responsible government
departments for O&M of the Marine Park, as well as the O&M duties of each of the departments
involved. The management plan together with the enhancement measures will be submitted to
EPD before the commissioning of the 3RS project.

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4. Additional Enhancement of Marine

Habitats During Construction Phase of
3RS Project
4.1 Background

4.1.1 Long-term AFCD studies identify Northwest Lantau waters as important habitat for CWDs.
Hotspots of CWDs have been identified in AFCD studies including in the area to the Northeast of
HKIA, the waters around Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau and at West Lantau waters. The
establishment of SCLKCMP for the purpose of providing a protected marine environment for the
inhabitation of CWD is successful, however, recent findings from the long-term AFCD monitoring
effort have identified a declining trend in CWD numbers in Hong Kong. It is also recognised that
high-speed vessels travelling in waters to the north of HKIA may lead to lower usage of such
waters by CWDs. In order to enhance the CWD habitats in these waters, especially the existing
SCLKCMP and the planned BMP, it is proposed to improve the ecological connectivity among
these habitats and to reduce potential disturbance from marine traffic in Northwest Lantau waters.
While these issues are not arising from the 3RS project, AA will strive to commit on any initiatives
that would bring a better environment for the conservation effort of CWDs in HK.

4.1.2 In the course of the EIA study, marine ecological and fisheries baseline surveys have been
conducted within the existing HKIAAAs, where no vessel entry is allowed for security reasons
(with the exception of rescue vessels, Marine Police Patrol and a limited number of other vessels
with special access permits). Based on survey results, corals and intertidal communities were
found along the intertidal and sub-tidal zones of the existing Airport island artificial seawalls.
CWDs were also recorded in HKIAAA waters as were fisheries resources with commercial
values. Findings suggest that marine protected areas (with suitable substrates and minimum
marine traffic disturbance) would be suitable areas for promoting the re-colonization of marine
wildlife.

4.2 Early Enhancement Measures Proposed in North Lantau Waters

4.2.1 In addition to the mitigation measures proposed in Section 13.11 of the EIA report, there are
areas within North Lantau waters which can be targeted as potential habitat enhancement areas
during the construction phase of the 3RS, well in advance of the actual designation of the
proposed Marine Park. Certain areas can be identified because they support marine ecological
habitat of value and because they are outside the proposed land formation works area are not
likely to be directly impacted by construction activities as illustrated in Figure 4-1. For example,
the waters immediately to the west of HKIA are initially proposed as habitat enhancement areas
from the earliest stages of construction because the commercial marine traffic in these waters is
anticipated to be low in future. Therefore, measures implemented by AAHK within these identified
areas to enhance these habitats are expected to encourage more abundant marine ecology and
fisheries resources, which in turn may further attract CWDs to use these areas as a de-facto
dolphin protection zone.

The key elements of these early enhancement measures are:

 Restrict SkyPier HSFs and construction vessels from entering these areas under normal
circumstances (under exceptional circumstances, SkyPier HSFs and construction vessels

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may be permitted to enter, however speeds would be limited to 15 knots or less and 10
knots respectively when in these areas; and
 Develop and work to implement various conservation and fisheries enhancement measures
within these areas, e.g., restocking of fish fry at the tentative locations as indicated in Figure
4-1, subject to advice from marine mammal and fisheries experts.

As the designation of the marine park is potentially subject to a long statutory and stakeholders
engagement process, AAHK’s commitment to initiate early enhancement measures during the
construction phase of 3RS project is expected to result in early ecological benefits in these areas
well in advance of designation to tie in with the commissioning of 3RS project.

4.2.2 Restocking of fish fry has been explored as another possible measure to enhance fish resources
in north Lantau waters. Fish fry and shrimp seedling restocking is recommended for the 3RS
project in the waters west of HKIA and waters to the east of SCLKCMP (see Figure 4-1). This
enhancement measure together with the enhancement measures in the planned BMP may
provide a synergistic effect for fisheries resources enhancement in north Lantau waters.

4.2.3 Thorough investigation into the feasibility of implementing the above proposed measures will
commence after the approval of the 3RS project. AAHK will also explore other potential
enhancement measures of value and will consult relevant stakeholders such as fishermen, and
discuss and seek support from AFCD prior to the implementation of the proposed measures. The
design and implementation of the enhancement measures will be overseen by the Fund
Management Committee (see Section 9).

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Figure 4-1 Potential Habitat Enhancement Areas in North Lantau Waters during Construction of 3RS

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4.3 Supporting Protection of CWDs in SCLKCMP

4.3.1 In addition to the construction phase enhancement of marine habitats, there are a number of
other potential enhancement measures that can serve to further contribute to territory-wide CWD
conservation. While these measures are outside the ambit of 3RS EIA, AA strives to further
demonstrate our commitment in enhancing the carrying capacity of the existing CWD hotspots.
Apart from the potential habitat enhancement initiatives as described in Section 4.2 above, it is
also proposed to investigate the feasibility of implementing measures to support protection of
marine ecology habitats, for example at SCLKCMP during the construction phase of 3RS. One
example is the exploration of enhancements within the SCLKC marine park. It is expected that
for the duration of the planned 3RS project construction period, CWDs would be able to continue
to safely use the SCLKCMP as key habitat, with the MP and adjacent areas continuing to be a
healthy habitat and serving as potential shelter areas for CWDs, including those CWDs that may
be temporarily displaced by 3RS marine works disturbances.

4.3.2 Successful enforcement of the Regulations as specified in the Marine Parks Ordinance is key in
ensuring that a Marine Park is able to serve its function. While it is known that Marine Parks
Wardens patrol Marine Parks daily, AAHK proposes additional surveillance on a voluntary basis
that can support long-term preservation and protection of the marine environment within the
existing SCLKCMP (as well as the proposed Marine Park in future). These measures include:
 Deploy land or vessel-based observers to actively watch out for any non-adherence to
Marine Park Regulations (e.g. use of destructive fishing methods or non-compliance with
vessel speed restrictions) and report such activities and concerned vessel information to
AFCD; and

 Deploy those surveyors who conduct land-based and vessel-based dolphin monitoring
surveys for AAHK to also take note and report apparent non-compliance with Marine Park
regulations to AFCD.

4.3.3 AAHK will liaise with and consult AFCD and the Country and Marine Parks Board on the
feasibility of implementing these proposed measures.

4.4 Enhancement in Southwest Lantau Waters

4.4.1 It is suggested to consider implementing enhancement measures for example including AR

deployment and fish fry restocking in southwest Lantau waters (see Figure 4-2) in order to
enhance fisheries resources in southwest Lantau waters during the construction phase of 3RS.
Details of the enhancement measures are subject to completion of feasibility studies during the
detailed design stage as well as potential stakeholder engagement. Again, while the southwest
Lantau waters is far away from the 3RS project area and outside the ambit of 3RS project, and
that there is no impact anticipated to this CWD hotspot due to the 3RS works, AA would strive to
demonstrate our commitment in enhancing the marine ecology and carrying capacity of this
existing CWD hotspot.

4.4.2 AA proposed to fund and support other early initiatives that may lead to enhancement of the
marine environment in SW Lantau waters, for example scientific research and study, with
potential examples listed in section 5.2.2 as well as initiatives that promote environmental
education and eco-tourism, these initiatives potentially leading to improvements in health and
survivability of CWDs in Hong Kong.
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Figure 4-2 Enhancement of Southwest Lantau Waters during Construction of 3RS

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4.5 Dolphin Stranding Response and Education Programme

4.5.1 It is noted that the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK) has a Stranding
Response Team, who collaborates with AFCD to investigate every reported dolphin stranding in
Hong Kong waters. To build on this initiative, AAHK proposes to work in collaboration or support
OPCFHK in areas concerning the dolphin stranding response and education programme from the
commencement of the construction phase of 3RS, with funding from the Marine Ecology
Enhancement Fund (MEEF) (see Section 9). The programme will tentatively comprise the
following key components:
 To take a proactive approach to identify any potential dolphin injury cases through regular
patrolling, and to make early reports of dolphin carcasses found such that fresh biopsy
samples can be taken to improve understanding of their biology and cause of death;
 To allocate more resources (e.g. manpower and hardware) to shorten the response time to
rescue dolphins or to retrieve dolphin strandings upon receipt of reported dolphin stranding
cases, and to shorten the transport time of dolphins (alive or dead) back to the care facilities
at Ocean Park;
 To support veterinary programme in local tertiary institution and conduct international
experience-sharing workshops to gain knowledge on dolphin care and handling, and improve
the chances of survival for stranded dolphins;
 To support the setting up of a centralised laboratory which can facilitate the dolphin necropsy
and pathological investigations;
 To establish a standardised dolphin necropsy protocol (e.g. toxicology tests and genetic
markers) to facilitate assessment of health status of dolphins and causes of death;
 To build up and strengthen the regional marine mammal stranding response network through
capacity-building workshops; and
 To promote public awareness on the dolphin stranding response programme and the means
to report potential dolphin stranding cases e.g. through the development of a smart phone
application to assist in the speedy reporting of stranded marine mammals to support
OPCFHK efforts.

4.6 Implementation and Timing

4.6.1 The preliminary study provides the proposed enhancement concepts, examples and the possible
location for deployment of such measures. Details of the enhancement measures such as eco-
enhancement seawall design, AR deployment and fish fry restocking are subject to additional
feasibility studies and further design development after 3RS project approval. It is proposed to
implement the various enhancement measures during the construction phase of 3RS.

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5. Encourage Scientific Research and

Studies
5.1 Background

5.1.1 AFCD has been undertaking a long-term monitoring programme on marine mammals in Hong
Kong waters since 1995. This programme has contributed towards understanding of the trends
on marine mammals’ populations, distribution and behaviour around the Hong Kong waters.
However, continuous changes in marine environment as a result of various factors such as
climate change, development of marine infrastructures, fish trawl ban and improvement of marine
water quality due to Harbour Area Treatment Scheme have led to changes in their abundance
and distribution. As such, further scientific researches and studies, utilising existing and new
marine mammals monitoring technique, are required to collate more scientific data on marine
mammals in both Hong Kong and the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Information including but not
limited to their travelling routes, hotspots, day-time and night-time behaviour are considered as
crucial for the development of effective and practicable conservation and protection measures for
marine mammals.

5.1.2 While literature review and field surveys conducted for the EIA report had generated a relatively
comprehensive marine ecological profile in North and Northwest Lantau, in view of the changing
environment and seascapes due to the implementation of different development projects, it is
considered necessary to conduct continuous monitoring for marine ecology in Western Hong
Kong waters. This will supplement updated baseline information essential for the development of
measures to protect and enhance marine fauna and flora in this area. In particular, focus will be
given to habitats and species of conservation importance, such as seagrass beds, horseshoe
crabs and pipefishes. In addition, the effectiveness of the enhancement measures proposed in
Section 3, such as the eco-enhancement seawall design and deployment of AR need to be
evaluated through the monitoring surveys.

5.1.3 Official up to date information on fisheries resources and operations in Hong Kong is limited. A
Port Survey is periodically conducted by AFCD to collect information regarding the fishing
operations in Hong Kong; however the last Port Survey was conducted back in 2006. Information
on fisheries resources, spawning and nursery grounds for commercial fisheries is still largely
derived from results from the Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters
study, which was commissioned by AFCD in 1996. With the fish trawl ban effective on 31
December 2012, the fishing operations in Hong Kong waters are thought to be changing, with the
effect of trawl ban on the fisheries resources best identified via long term monitoring and studies.
In general, more scientific research and study of fisheries resources and operations would help to
provide necessary and useful data for proper planning and development of a fisheries
enhancement strategy for Lantau waters.

5.2 Key Areas for Scientific Research and Study

5.2.1 AA will provide funding support to useful scientific research and studies undertaken for example
by NGOs or academics (see section 9) with the aim to:
 Provide long-term monitoring / in-depth understanding of marine ecology/ fisheries resources
in Western Hong Kong waters
 Facilitate the development of practices, measures and/or programmes to enhance marine
ecology and fisheries resources in Western Hong Kong waters
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5.2.2 Examples of such research and studies include:

 Conduct comprehensive cumulative impact assessment of marine anthropogenic activities;
 Develop and hold a workshop(s) on innovative methods of evaluating cumulative impacts
from marine development projects on CWDs;
 Analysis of long-term CWD stranding data to better understand the threats and factors
affecting fecundity and survivability of CWD including water pollution and toxins at all levels
of the food chains;
 Conduct acoustic studies to evaluate noise impacts of marine construction activities;
 Conduct underwater acoustic monitoring of CWD activities and behavioral studies in the
Northwest Hong Kong waters;
 Research to better identify sources of pollution in CWD habitats and make recommendations
on appropriate mitigation measures;
 Hold skipper workshops for HSF captains to raise the awareness on collision risk with local
cetaceans;
 Assist in proactively develop a CWD conservation management plan for Southwest Lantau
waters;
 Information sharing on CWD studies and status on both sides of HK / PRE border;
 Promote eco-tourism and support NGOs to conduct education programme;
 Artificial seawall performance monitoring to study the effectiveness of the eco-enhancement
seawall design in providing suitable habitats for marine fauna re-colonization.

5.3 Development of Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Strategy

Framework for the Pearl River Estuary

5.3.1 Currently, a comprehensive and reliable scientific database on the abundance and population
biology of the CWD population in PRE is not available. AAHK is therefore seeking to support (e.g.
funding of initiatives as outlined in section 9) the development of a holistic conservation
framework for the PRE CWD population together with a leadership role to be taken by a local
NGO, for example OPCFHK. The framework comprises the following components:
 Support and organise a workshop(s) to share information on CWD studies and status on
both sides of the Hong Kong / Pearl River Estuary Border;
 Complete a planning workshop (tentatively within 2015) to provide the basis for creation of a
“Conservation Strategy and Action Plan”;
 Conduct an initial feasibility study to determine the availability of PRE CWD data and to
identify data gaps;
 Initiate and commit on a longer term basis to comprehensive and robust on-going PRE CWD
survey efforts to develop knowledge concerning the PRE CWD population to deliver critical
ecological information necessary to create an effective conservation plan; and
 Support on-going management via the rolling action plan (initially drafted as a 5 year plan
from the planning workshop) under the local NGO leadership involving elements of research
effort / education / engagement and advocacy.

5.3.2 For the proposed PRE CWD surveys, AAHK is committed to supporting (with appropriate funding
– per arrangements detailed in section 9) a long-term and detailed research project to determine
the true population and habitat use of CWDs in the PRE. Appropriate CWD survey / monitoring
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methods will be used and these may be applied to Hong Kong as well as in broader Chinese
waters. A scientific steering committee, consisting of CWD experts in HK and elsewhere, will be
established to oversee this aspect and derive an assessment that matches international
standards. A team of experienced surveyors shall be deployed to undertake the surveys.

5.3.3 The non-exhaustive list of research topics provided in Section 5.2.2 may also be applied to the
PRE CWD population where applicable.

5.3.4 The overall goal of the conservation framework is to develop and implement a long-term and
integrated CWD conservation and management plan for the PRE.

5.3.5 Ultimately, an extensive and updated database for both Hong Kong and PRE CWD populations
will be generated, which will facilitate a comprehensive and internationally-recognised cumulative
impact assessment of anthropogenic activities on CWDs in the PRE. Recommendations with
strong scientific basis can then be made on action plans to curtail and potentially reverse the
decline of CWDs in Hong Kong and (if a decline is identified) in PRE waters in the form of a
conservation strategy.

5.4 Implementation and Timing

5.4.1 It is proposed that the management arrangements, funding amounts and fund allocation
mechanisms for supporting the aforementioned research and studies will be established after
3RS project approval and in advance of commencement of the construction phase of the 3RS
project. AAHK will continue to engage with academic institutes, green NGOs and other
stakeholder groups so that their concerns and suggestions on marine ecology and fisheries
resources enhancement can be taken into consideration where appropriate during the planning
stage.

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6. Promotion of Environmental Education

and Eco-tourism
6.1 Background

6.1.1 The North Lantau coast and Northwest Lantau waters are rich in marine ecological and fisheries
resources, which could provide good opportunities for raising the general public’s awareness on
the importance of protecting these valuable resources. The mudflat, mangrove and seagrass
habitats at Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Tung Chung Bay, San Tau
Beach SSSI and Sha Lo Wan are nursery and spawning grounds for horseshoe crabs, while
pipefishes are also recorded at estuarine regions at the North Lantau coasts. The existing
footpaths along the North Lantau coasts provide an opportunity for the public to gain access to
these natural habitats to appreciate these natural resources.

6.1.2 Based on the AFCD CWD stranding database and evidence from injuries and scars on photo-
identified CWDs, vessel collision is cited as the most common cause of injury and death for Hong
Kong CWDs. Although many CWDs seemingly survive such encounters, there is good reason to
believe that some incidences are fatal. As such, vessel operators need to be educated about
local cetaceans, and existing guidelines for safe vessel operations in the presence of CWDs
could benefit from better promulgation and possibly an update.

6.2 Broad Approach to Promote Environmental Education and Eco-

tourism

6.2.1 AA proposed to fund and support initiatives in promoting environmental education and eco-
tourism in relation to the marine ecological and fisheries resources in the North Lantau coast and
Northwest Lantau waters. Examples of such initiatives include:
 Support AFCD / NGOs to conduct training programmes for frontline protection staff as
capacity building on dolphin conservation;
 Develop and conduct skipper workshops to alert HSF captains / drivers (from both SkyPier
and Central Ferry Piers) on the risk of collisions with CWDs and Finless Porpoises, and
ways of reducing such risks;
 Establishment of education programme or eco-trails with displays introducing the
conservation of terrestrial / marine ecology and fisheries resources of North Lantau and
surrounding waters;
 Promotion of eco-tourism in the Marine Protected Areas with valid permits and daily quota
(e.g., dolphin watching adhering to dolphin watching codes of conduct;
 Collaborations with AFCD and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide training to
local dolphin watching tour operators (for example at Tai O) with brochures for visitors to
educate them on the code of conduct to be observed during dolphin watching and CWD
conservation;
 Development of eco-tourism to raise public awareness on sustainable fishing operations
(e.g. development of fisheries museum, arrangement of guided tour for experiencing of
fishing operation);
 Organisation of campaigns for cleaning of sandy shores at the SCLKCMP, San Tau Beach
SSSI, etc.; and
 Horseshoe crabs breeding and release programme at North Lantau soft shores.

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6.3 Implementation and Timing

6.3.1 It is proposed that details of the aforementioned measures, associated management

arrangements, funding amounts and fund allocation mechanisms will be established prior to
commencement of the construction phase of the 3RS project. AAHK will continue to engage with
academic institutes, green NGOs and other stakeholder groups so that their concerns and
suggestions on the measures can be taken into consideration where appropriate during the
planning stage.

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7. Promotion of Sustainable Fisheries

Industry
7.1 Background

7.1.1 The 3RS Project would inevitably result in loss of fisheries habitats and fishing grounds that may
affect the fishermen operating in the North Lantau waters. Under the government’s current
policy, there would be Ex-gratia Allowance (EGA) payments to compensate the affected
fishermen for any loss in fishing grounds due to the 3RS Project.

7.1.2 As described in Sections 3 and 4, the enlarged HKIAAAs and proposed Marine Park together
with suitable seawall design for eco-enhancement seawall and possible deployment of artificial
reefs (AR) would facilitate the promotion of fisheries resources within the areas. In the long term,
these habitat enhancement measures would also bring benefits to the fisheries resources in the
adjacent fishing grounds (outside the HKIAAAs and the proposed Marine Park). However, the
HKIAAAs and Marine Park will pose restrictions to fishermen’s operation and no EGA payments
would normally be required for establishment of the HKIAAAs or Marine Parks.

7.2 Broad Approach to Promote Sustainable Fisheries Industry

7.2.1 During the course of the EIA study, the major homeports that operate around the Northern Lantau
waters had been visited. Fisheries interview surveys have been conducted to collect background
information for facilitating fisheries impact assessment and to establish this fisheries
enhancement strategy framework. In order to provide extra assistance to the fishermen or fishing
communities who would be affected by the 3RS Project, it is proposed to provide the following
incentives through the proposed Fisheries Enhancement Fund (see Section 9) to help achieve
sustainable fisheries operation:

7.2.2 Support and enhance ongoing fisheries operations, examples include:

 Support fishermen in purchasing new fishing vessel engines or upgrading vessel engines to
achieve better environmental performance for reducing the running cost in long term
operation (e.g., reduced exhaust emissions, quieter engines, improved energy efficiency)
 Support fishermen in purchasing new fishing equipment/ tools or upgrading the equipment/
tools to improve operational efficiencies
 Support fishermen in shifting mode of fishing operation in Hong Kong waters (e.g., from
shrimp trawling/hang trawling to purse-seining, gill netting) and provide training to assist
employment opportunities
 Re-stocking or release of appropriate fish fry at suitable locations within the HKIAAAs and/or
Marine Park to promote resilience of fisheries resources and benefit to the adjacent fishing
grounds

7.2.3 Support measures that aim to improve mariculture, fishing technologies and techniques,
examples include:
 Development of more advanced technologies or professional techniques to improve fisheries
production
 Provide training to enhance fishermen’s technical skills as well as knowledge on the
importance and good practices in protecting marine environment

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 Support mariculturists in purchasing new formula of fish feed for the enhancement of feed
efficiency as well as fish health
 Advise fish farmers on good husbandry techniques and disease prevention measures to
improve fisheries production
 Provide assistance in disease diagnosis and appropriate treatment measures to minimize
the death rate of the fish

7.2.4 Support the promotion and enhancement of fisheries-related business opportunities, examples
include:
 Provide suitable training for fishermen in operating different types of fishing vessels,
equipment and/or tools to assist employment opportunity
 Development of eco-tourism with guided tour by local fishermen to share about their
livelihood (e.g. arrangement of guided tour for experiencing of fishing operation,
establishment of fisheries museum) and in raising the public awareness on sustainable
fishing operations and fisheries resources
 Provide suitable training for fishermen in operating dolphin watch tourism at designated route
in an environmentally sustainable manner

7.3 Implementation and Timing

7.3.1 It is proposed that details of the aforementioned measures, associated management

arrangements, funding amounts and fund allocation mechanisms will be established prior to
commencement of the construction phase of the 3RS project. AAHK will continue to engage with
a range of fisheries and other stakeholder groups so that their concerns and suggestions on
fisheries and other potential marine ecological enhancement measures can be taken into
consideration where appropriate during the formulation and implementation of the enhancement
measures.

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8. Public Consultation / Stakeholder

Engagement Plan
8.1 Past Stakeholder Engagement Activities during EIA

8.1.1 Consultation with the stakeholders in particular the fishermen, marine industry including the high-
speed ferry operators, advisory bodies and relevant Government departments / parties has been
conducted during the EIA process to inform and seek their views on the initial boundary of the
proposed marine park as presented in the EIA. Feedback from the stakeholders has been
received and will be taken into consideration during the preparatory works for designation of the
proposed marine park as well as the formulation of other initiatives such as the Marine Ecology
and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy. Table 8.1 summarises the major engagement activities
conducted for the proposed marine park during the EIA process.

Table 8.1 Major Engagement Activities conducted for the Proposed Marine Park during the EIA Process
Fishermen Briefing Sessions
25 Sep 2013 Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium (香港漁民團體聯會)
7 Oct 2013 Hong Kong Fishery Alliance (香港漁業聯盟)
28 Jul 2014 Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium (香港漁民團體聯會)
4 Aug 2014 Hong Kong Fishery Alliance (香港漁業聯盟)
15 Aug 2014 Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium (香港漁民團體聯會) and Hong Kong Fishery Alliance (香港漁業聯盟)
Marine Industry Consultation Workshop
5 Jun 2014 with Committee members from:
Local Vessels Advisory Committee (本地船隻諮詢委員會);
Pilotage Advisory Committee (領港事務諮詢委員會);
Port Operations Committee (港口行動事務委員會); and
High Speed Craft Consultative Committee (高速船諮詢委員會)
Advisory Bodies
3 Jul 2014 Country and Marine Parks Board
3 Jul 2014 Marine Mammal Conservation Working Group
7 Aug 2014 Capture Fisheries Sub-committee under the Advisory Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

8.2 Future Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the Proposed Marine

Park

8.2.1 The consultation would be a continuous process rather than a one-off exercise. Further
consultation with the relevant stakeholders will be undertaken as part of the preparatory works for
designation of the proposed marine park, which will be commenced as early as possible after
project approval. A Public Consultation Proposal will be prepared which shall include,
 Review of concerns of the community and stakeholders, in particular the fishermen/
fishermen groups, NGOs and academics;
 Identification of public relation events to address the identified concerns; and
 Consultation strategy plan and programme for conducting the public consultation exercise.

8.2.2 The public consultation exercise should cover at least two stages to seek public views on the
proposed marine park during the preparatory works for designation of the proposed marine park.
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The initial stage shall solicit comments / views from the community, relevant stakeholders and
advisory bodies on the location and extent of the proposed marine park, the impact of the
proposed marine park, ecological and fisheries enhancement measures, the marine park
management plan and resolve outstanding issues with relevant Government departments /
parties in taking forward the proposal. The final stage shall present the detailed design of the
proposed marine park, marine park management plan, ecological and fisheries enhancement
programme proposals to the community, relevant stakeholders, advisory bodies, relevant
Government departments / parties in order to finalise the details and complete the statutory
procedures for the establishment of the proposed marine park under Cap. 476 Marine Parks
Ordinance.

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9. Proposed Funding Arrangement

9.1.1 The Administration has made a firm commitment to seek to designate the proposed marine park
of approximately 2,400 ha in the waters north of the 3RS project in accordance with the statutory
process stipulated in the Marine Parks Ordinance, as a mitigation measure for the permanent
habitat loss arising from the 3RS project. AAHK will seek to assist in completing the designation
tentatively around 2023 to tie in with the full operation of the 3RS.

9.1.2 In order to achieve the MEFEP and hence facilitating the conservation of marine ecology and
sustainable fisheries in the Northwest Lantau waters, it is proposed to establish two
environmental enhancement funds namely:
 Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF)
 Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF)

9.1.3 The above two funding will be used to support the four key aspects as proposed in this Plan (see
Sections 3 to 8) as illustrated in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1: Key Areas Supported by the Fisheries Enhancement Fund and Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund
Key Areas Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF) Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund
(MEEF)
a. Enhancement of Habitats  Deployment of AR at appropriate  Support government in designating the
for Marine Ecology and locations to promote fisheries proposed Marine Park to enhance
Fisheries Resources recruitment ecological connectivity among various
CWDs hotspots
 Support practicable habitat restoration
and enhancement initiatives
 Dolphin stranding response and
education programme
b. Promotion of Sustainable  Support and enhance on-going  --
Fisheries Industry fisheries operations
 Support measures that aim to
improve mariculture, fishing
technologies and techniques
 Support the promotion and
enhancement of fisheries-related
business opportunities
c. Encouragement of -- Support researches and studies that aim to:
Scientific Researches and  Provide long-term monitoring or in-depth
Studies understanding of the marine ecology/
fisheries resources
Facilitate the development of practices,
measures and/or programmes for
enhancement of marine ecology and fisheries
resources
d. Promotion of  Support initiatives in promoting eco-  Support initiatives in promoting
Environmental Education tourism in relation to sustainable environmental education and eco-
and Eco-tourism fisheries operation tourism in relation to the marine
ecological and fisheries resources in the
North Lantau coast and Northwest
Lantau waters

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9.1.4 The preliminary budget estimate for the aforementioned two Funds would be totally in the order of
HK$200 - 300 million, subject to approval from the Board of AAHK. It is tentatively proposed to
establish the FEF and MEEF after approval of the 3RS project.

9.1.5 AAHK proposes to establish separate Fund Management Committee for each of FEF and MEEF,
chaired by AAHK with representatives including academics, fishermen’s associations, and NGOs.
The Committees will advise on the management of the FEF and MEEF, including issues
concerning applications for available funding and fund approval and allocation. Details of the
mode of operation of the Committee, such as terms of reference, secretariat and technical
support, staffing arrangements, appropriate programmes and mechanisms under the MEFEP as
well as procedures for allocating and awarding funding, will be devised in consultation with
relevant stakeholders upon obtaining the Environmental Permit/ statutory approval for 3RS
project and in any case before commencement of construction if practicable.

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Appendix A – Existing Marine Parks

Management Plan

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Figure 1 Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park Management Plan

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Figure 2 Tung Ping Chau Marine Park Management Plan

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Figure 3 Yan Chau Tong Marine Park Management Plan

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Figure 4 Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park Management Plan

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