Many visitors to Mai Po will be familiar with the problem of illegal fishing activities on the Deep Bay mudflats, including areas in front of the floating bird watching hides. Although the problem seems to have improved compared to previous years, these illegal activities continue to occur.
AFCD and the Hong Kong Police Force periodically conduct joint operations on the Deep Bay mudflats to check for any such illegal activities and to carry out enforcement actions as appropriate. So far, all such enforcement activity has taken place on weekdays to minimise disturbance to visitors to the hides, but there is concern that this may lead to the fishermen only conducting activities at weekends, when they know there will be no enforcement operations. Therefore, starting from May 2012 AFCD and the police will also conduct occasional enforcement patrols during weekends.
To minimise the possible disturbance to visitors and birds, all such operations will be conducted at low tide periods when it is not expected that birds will be close to the floating hides. Enforcement activities will not take place every weekend, but details of the dates and times will not be posted here in advance to avoid compromising the success. We appreciate the co-operation and patience of birdwatchers and photographers, and apologise for any inconvenience caused by these essential activities. If you have any questions, please contact the Mai Po office at 2471 6212.
[ Last edited by WWF Mai Po at 4/05/2012 17:42 ] Author: Ronaldo Time: 4/05/2012 23:54
Illegal fishermen in the Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site, 8 Jan 2013
I saw three Chinese males paddling from right to left right in a small boat on the incoming tide at about 4:15 this afternoon. They came within 200 metres of the old hide and were possibly laying nets, but I couldn't be sure.
One of them was in his early 20s or younger, the others were middle-aged.
Richard Author: NelsonChung Time: 29/03/2013 17:56 Subject: 29/03/2013 II
Dear All,
I have seen 3 Chinese men on the mudflat, around 13:30 ~ 14:20.
After that i was leave, and reported to the police around 14:30.