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.