Hong Kong seas in deep trouble
Image from Flickr by Tom Weilenmann
The World Wildlife Fund urges people to sign a petition to save what’s left of Hong Kong’s natural marine life.
WWF Hong Kong launched the “Save Our Seas” campaign in 2004, but it’s waters are still suffering.
The campaign aims to:
- protect marine biodiversity
- restore fisheries
- create new alternative jobs for fishermen
Ecological system on verge of collapse
Hong Kong’s seas were once abundant with marine life, including 80 species of hard coral and approximately 1,000 species of fish.
However, they are now suffering from overfishing and pollution caused by human beings.
WWF claims that Reef sharks are almost extinct, whilst Manta rays and the Green turtle have not been seen in years.
WWF‘s proposed solution:
- stop fishing in existing Marine Parks, turning them into real sancturies that can truly protect marine life.
- operate 10% of Hong Kong’s waters as ‘no-take zones,’ banning fishing and other disturbances in these areas
- stop uncontrolled fishing, by licensing all commercial fishing boats and setting catch quotas.
Take Action
Sign the petition and ask the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr. Donald Tsang Yam – kuen to stop Hong Kong’s ecological system from collapsing.
Sources: WWF Passport and WWF Hong Kong
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