Subject: MANGROVE SEEDLING CLEARANCE 2009 2009年度清除紅樹樹苗工作 [Print This Page] Author: WWF Mai Po Time: 21/08/2009 10:44 Subject: MANGROVE SEEDLING CLEARANCE 2009 2009年度清除紅樹樹苗工作
Dear Birdwatchers/Photographers,
Every year since 1985, WWF has cleared mangrove seedlings from the area of inter tidal mudflat in front of the floating bird-watching hides. This is necessary to maintain the area as a valuable feeding habitat for waterbirds as well as to promote ecological research, education and birdwatching (Refer to the figure).
WWF staff and contractors commenced the 2009 clearance works on 18 August and will continue through to October. Our work is monitored by AFCD, who together with Districts Lands Office, give us their consent each year upon approval of a WWF impact assessment report.
Our staff and contractors will only work during periods of low tide when the waterbirds in front of the hides are very few in number. Please do not mistake these workers for illegal fishermen! You will see them stepping seedlings into the mud, something the fishermen would not be doing.
If you require any further information please telephone the WWF Mai Po Office on 2471-6212 and ask for either Janet Lee, Katherine Leung or Bena Smith.
The 2009 clearance works are complete. This year a lot of grasses grew infront of the hides, a problem we are dicussing with government.
Over the winter, AFCD's contractors will clear Sonneratia trees and shrubs from the inter-tidal mudflat area. Sonneratia is an invasive exotic mangrove species which is known to out-complete native species and can quickly invade the mudflat area, reducing the feeding area for waterbirds. The works will be concentrated around the mouth of the Shenzhen River.
[ Last edited by WWF Mai Po at 14/11/2009 12:33 ]
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