Marine Guardian Wang Minggan: From Seahorses to Chinese White Dolphins, calling Attention to the Protection of biodiversity in Hong Kong Waters

Hong Kong has rich and diverse marine biodiversity, with more than 1,650 species of marine life. In recent years, Hong Kong has made remarkable achievements in protecting the environment and marine biodiversity. However, in the 1990s, Hong Kong was suffering from pollution and overfishing.

 


Seahorses are one of the most distinctive fish species in the ocean. In news footage from the 1990s, Wang Minggan pointed out that the number of seahorses had declined sharply due to overfishing and habitat destruction, and he hoped to provide habitat for endangered species such as seahorses by establishing coastal reserves, not only to protect these species, but also to allow young people and students in Hong Kong have the opportunity to interact with these marine creatures in a real environment.

 

In addition to seahorses, Chinese white dolphins were also facing an existential crisis in Hong Kong waters in the 1990s. In the interview in 1996, Wang Mingan specifically mentioned that the number of Chinese white dolphins was declining rapidly due to the environmental pollution caused by the construction of Hong Kong's new airport at that time.

 


Wang Mingan not only called for the establishment of protected areas, but also advocated the development of eco-tourism, replacing fishing with viewing, allowing people to get close to marine life while raising conservation awareness. He hopes that all sectors of society can take action to replace hunting and killing through viewing activities and achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

 

Through the cooperation and efforts of the Hong Kong government, civil society and the industries, marine parks and protected areas were gradually established in 1996. The sewage treatment plants on both sides of the Victoria Harbor on Tsing Yi Island also came into operation in 2001, significantly improving water quality.

 

Original Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/y0oVwKfY5mzhwm-9FqJ6Zw

Translator: Sara

Reviewed by: Richard

Editor: Sara    

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776





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