Introduction
This is a comment on
Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning (OZP) Plan No. S/NE-HH/1.
The Draft Hoi Ha OZP was drawn up in recognition
of the need to conserve areas of conservation value and protect the ecological
significance of the area, yet only terrestrial species are considered as
Species of Ecological Significance in the Draft OZP.
No mention is made of the coral communities in Hoi Ha Wan, despite the fact it
is an internationally recognized marine biodiversity hotspot.
The coral communities are the dominant feature
of conservation and ecological significance in the area, yet the Draft OZP has
been drafted as if the coral communities aren’t relevant or don’t exist. You
cannot consider the ecology, conservation or development of Hoi Ha without
discussing the coral communities.
See what was included in the Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan and what was left out in the diagrams below.
See what was included in the Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan and what was left out in the diagrams below.
Background
Hoi Ha Wan is one of the best sea areas
in Hong Kong with good water quality and diverse marine life. It was
designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989 in recognition of its
coral communities and critically, because it was not affected by pollution. In
1996 it was designated a Marine Park.
The Marine Park has lush coral communities and
is one of the best coral sites in Hong Kong. 64 out of 84 stony coral
species recorded in Hong Kong can be found in the Marine Park, with some of the
best coral sites recording over 50 species of stony corals. Studies have
identified more than 120 species of coral associated fish, as well as diverse
marine invertebrates and a new fish species has recently been discovered in the
park.
Threats
from pollution and sedimentation
When the SSSI and Marine Park were being
established, only two threats significant enough to cause irreparable damage to
the coral communities in Hoi Ha Wan were identified. These are pollution and
sediment runoff from future development in the area, yet neither of these
threats, nor the conservation value or ecological significance of the coral
communities has been discussed in the Draft OZP.
Comment
What was included in the Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan as Species of Conservation Interest
What was left out of the Draft Hoi Ha Outline Zoning Plan
Corals in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
Other marine biodiversity in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
Petition
If you want to object to the proposed development in Hoi Ha,
please sign the petition here:
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