Authorities advise against whale watching, urging boats to slow down

A Bryde's whale that ventured into the waters of Sai Kung last year died after being struck by the propeller of a fast-moving vessel, according to a report by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

Authorities have recommended banning whale-watching activities and granting the AFCD Director more authority to handle special situations. This includes simplifying procedures to designate temporary restricted areas when necessary more quickly and restricting vessel navigation and related activities in those areas.

Under the proposed measures, a three-level mechanism will be established. The first level is a warning, and the second level involves setting up a vessel management zone if a whale is found to be staying in Hong Kong waters for an extended period, said Patrick Lai, Acting Deputy Director of the AFCD, stated on a radio program today (July 22).

"Hong Kong is not a suitable habitat for whales. If a whale mistakenly enters Hong Kong waters, its health might not be good, so the authorities do not recommend whale-watching activities, fearing they may cause disturbances," said Lai.

The authorities will enhance public education, and the department will also increase public education efforts for students and remind maritime users to slow down their vessels if they see a whale.

Kenneth Leung, Chairperson of the Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals, said that cases of whales and dolphins mistakenly entering Hong Kong waters are quite rare, and this is the first time an accident has occurred after such an entry.

Leung also noted that the authorities have been continuously improving and reviewing the entire management plan after the incident. In September last year, a pygmy sperm whale entered Hong Kong waters, and an emergency plan was quickly implemented, establishing a management zone. The whale eventually swam away safely.

Leung believes that further optimization of the emergency plan will lead to even better outcomes.