The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) are utilizing drones to patrol and assist in water quality control in Mirs Bay – which recently selected by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment as one of the 12 "Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays" nationwide – and to deepen cooperation between Guangdong and Shenzhen in jointly managing the marine environment.
Mirs Bay has water control zones that strictly monitor sewage discharge and has 9 water quality monitoring stations. Combined with drone patrols and intelligent monitoring systems as well as equipped with three brand-new scavenging vessels, the overall water quality compliance rate reaches 100 percent, meeting the Class I national seawater quality standards.
The bay's rich and diverse ecosystem is an important habitat for nationally protected wildlife. Most of Mirs Bay is a statutory protected area, including the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Parks.
Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen have also established a notification mechanism on marine refuse, using a computer warning system developed by the EPD to strengthen regional monitoring, early warning, notification, and coordinated cleanup of marine debris across regions.
Director of Environmental Protection Samuel Chui Ho-kwong said it is the first time Hong Kong has received the commendation, reflecting the efforts of various departments to continuously improve the environment.
The next step will be to promote the Sai Kung Port Shelter, and the plan is to apply for the "Beautiful Bays" commendation within the year.
