HK looks to set up temporary no-go zones for whales that wandered into local waters

Hong Kong is looking to set up no-go zones when non-resident whales appear in Hong Kong waters.

The move came as the SAR government commenced the review of the legislation in relation to the protection of marine mammals.

A government statement said authorities are looking to empower the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to designate certain areas of Hong Kong waters as a "Temporary Marine Restricted Area" to protect cetaceans when necessary, such as the situation of a non-resident whale appearing in Hong Kong waters.

The government is also looking to confer a legal status on the existing Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching, and exploring the feasibility of a prohibition on watching non-resident cetaceans.

Meanwhile, to prepare for future operations involving field rescues, rehabilitation, and release of stranded whales and dolphins, the department plans to organize a visit to Sanya, Hainan, as there was a recent successful release of an injured short-finned pilot whale following its rescue and rehabilitation during the period from January to May 2024.