Plans for new marine parks are to be welcomed

Hong Kong bureaucrats are not known for their eagerness to revive plans that were shelved years ago. So when the government suddenly dusted off two marine park projects, green activists smelt something fishy. That it came when the controversial proposal to build a third airport runway nearby is due for a decision makes it even more suspicious. The two proposed sanctuaries at southwest Lantau and the Soko Islands archipelago date back to 2002, but never came to fruition because of opposition from the fisheries sector. Adding up to 2,000 hectares in total, the projects are welcome protection for marine life, in particular the Chinese white dolphin and finless porpoise.

The timing has inevitably aroused suspicion that the government is trying to relieve pressure on the Airport Authority, whose third runway proposal has met strong resistance from some members of a subcommittee of the Advisory Council on the Environment. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department denied any link, saying it was just reaffirming the commitment to the marine park projects in light of public concerns over the dolphins.

Whether the projects are tied to the third runway is perhaps immaterial. What's important is that marine species will benefit ultimately. The designation is long overdue. It is good that the third runaway has given the government a push in this direction. True, the park cannot fully compensate for the damage caused by the runway. It is nonetheless a good mitigation measure. Officials say the parks will take two to three years to put in place. They should speed up the process, while keeping a close eye on the impact that the new runway will have on marine life.

Surrounded by 1,650 square kilometres of sea area, Hong Kong is blessed with a rich diversity of marine life. The two parks will bring the number of sanctuaries to seven. It is to be hoped that they can help minimise the damage caused by human and economic development.