New nudibranch discovered in Hong Kong

Photo taken in Hong Kong waters by Charlie Frew. A previously undescribed species.

Click on the following link.
http://www.hkoutdoors.com/forums/activities/undescribed-nudibranch.html#962


There are hidden gems in the waters of Hong Kong. More work needs to be done to preserve it before it is too late.

Hoi Ha Wan - A marine park in Hong Kong

Hoi Ha Wan is one of four marine parks in Hong Kong. It is located in the North East of Hong Kong, geographically located in SaiKung, it is actually under TaiPo District council.

Under Hong Kong legislation marine parks are protected to some degree,the following picture, taken in Hoi Ha, indicates the activities not allowed :

The key points are that fishing is still permitted in the Marine Parks, to licensed fishermen and that the park is not adequately policed. On a visit during the weekend of the 20th October 2007, I found the following character right on the beach under Hoi Ha Wan village and a stones throw from the AFCD office.

Unfortunately at the time I took this photo I could not tell that he had a seastar in his hand, otherwise I might have spoken to him, as he walked away I could see that he had a nine inch long divers knife, strapped to his leg. One can only guess what he was looking for, however what ever is it he should not be doing it..

There is a growing disquiet in Hong Kong about inadequate protection of marine life AND about the lack of knowledge about the issues. All things marine are seen as inexhaustible.

Apo reef - fishing banned

Apo reef is a beautiful and relatively remote place, that compared to many other parts of the Philippines is relatively unpopulated, however significant parts of the reef have still suffered from some serious abuse through over fishing together with destructive fishing techniques. I have been to Apo reef twice in 1994 and 2002 and did enjoyed some good diving on some of the dive sites.

Apo Reef (note: not the similarly named Apo Island, a marine reserve off Negros Island in the Southern Philippines) located off the west coast of Mindoro in the Philippines is trying to relive "old glories" and has put into place a total ban from 2nd October on "all extractive activities such as fishing, collection and harvesting of any life form"

Full article, courtesy of WWF-Philippines can be found HERE

One of the key problems with setting up these kinds of No-Take reserves is resistance from the local fishing community, to overcome this alternative sources for fishing have been developed, through installation of overshore fish aggregation devices. A local solution to the local situation, resistance will persist, but hopefully with increased fish aggregations and increased tourism, the project will be successful.

A worthwhile project to support and I hope to visit sometime soon.

The Harm of Good Intentions - turtles

Came across an interesting argument and perspective on the issue of keeping turtle hatchlings and releasing them until they are stronger.

The argument of this article posted on the WWF Philippines blog puts forward a compelling argument as to why turtle hatchlings should be left and not collected, fattened up and then release later. Essentially the argument is as follows:

1. Within the first 24 hours of life turtle instinct is to go out beyond the surf zone to catch major currents. They are carried to development areas where they remain until strong enough to migrate distances, it is during this period that the turtles learn about the currents and their migration routes. Key to their survival.


2. The turtles reproduction process has proven very successful, without human intervention and has enabled the turtles to out live the dinosaurs.

Obviously turtles need a helping hand when human interference is affecting the survival, such as egg collection or fishing by catch but other than that, maybe we should leave them alone...?

Are they right..?

Full article can be found here:
http://newsfromkkp.blogspirit.com/archive/2006/03/21/the-harm-of-good-intentions.html