Wednesday 16 May 2007

Napoleon wrasse on menu - AFCD response

Further to the earlier posting, I have received a very informative response from Tony Wong, Senior Field Officer (Endangered Species Protection), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

"Thank you for your information and enquiry regarding possession of humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) for commercial purposes.

Please be advised that humphead wrasse was newly controlled in Hong Kong under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance since 1 December 2006. For those newly listed species, the Ordinance permits a 6-month grace period during which a restaurant may apply for a possession licence for those humphead wrasse acquired before the Ordinance came into effect. The grace period will expire on 31 May 2007. By then, a restaurant should have a valid licence to possess humphead wrasse for commercial purposes.
According to our record, an application for a possession licence is not yet received from the concerned restaurant. Nevertheless, we have taken note of the situation and will keep this in view for any necessary action. "

Very informative response....!

4 comments:

Peter Emmett said...

Good to see a blog site making a difference and helping inform the public of these things.

Is there any way for people to report restaurants selling this stuff?

Keep up the good work.

Dod said...

Hi Peter

I used the email address

mailbox@afcd.gov.hk

This did work as I did get a response, however I have also asked for the most appropriate way to assist and pass on information.

If I get any further information about how to best assist the AFCD in monitoring offending restaurants I will post it on the BLOG.

Regards

Anonymous said...

The restaurants on the sea front at Sai Kung had some Humphead Wrasse on display (looked like they were not for eating) in a small tank!

Dod said...

It would be interesting to see whether the restaurant in question had the rights to display or keep the fish. I will be going to Sai Kung soon and will check this out myself....

Just as a reminder... if questioning the rights of a restaurant to keep these endangered fish send an email to espint@afcd.gov.hk

More soon...