I tend to agree with Terry Greene in 'Plover Cove lifestyle' (February 17) on the use of Hong Kong's reservoirs - with reservations.
It is important to remember that the reservoirs are part of Hong Kong's fresh water supplies, and the Water Supplies Department does an excellent job of keeping them clean and unpolluted. And, unfortunately, if post-weekend country park picnic sites are anything to go by, many people would trash anything that is opened to their use.
I too enjoy fishing, in my case fly-fishing. The cost of the department fishing licence is $24, it is valid for three years, and the season is open from September 1 to March 31. At 10 times the price this licence would be a bargain. However, consider extending the fly-fishing season by two months. The reason: the reservoir fishing season in Hong Kong is limited to the winter months, when there is little insect life.
Fly-fishing requires the study of local entomology in order to choose the correct fly to match the insects that fish are preying on; this is why it is a fascinating sport. Extending the season to May 31 would allow fly-fishermen to exploit the insect hatches of early summer. I also suggest that, like some other fly-fishing venues, the extended season operate on a catch-and-release basis.
I imagine that there are many competent fly-fishers (I am not) from the Americas and Europe who would dearly love to pursue their sport but have little idea where and how to do so in Hong Kong. Although most Hong Kong reservoir fish seem to be of the various carp species, according to the licence small print, some reservoirs are inhabited by black bass, a much sought-after game fish. If the reservoirs were run as properly managed fisheries then perhaps they could be marketed by Hong Kong to fishermen in general and fly-fishermen in particular.
Naturally, the department would need a larger budget to cope with the added 'burden' of fisheries management, but perhaps this could be covered by higher-priced fishing licences or higher costs for an extended season ticket, or 'tourist tickets' for visitors. Revenues could also be raised by, as Mr Greene suggests, having sailing and kayaking facilities, which would need to be both paid for and highly regulated.