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Ng Kang-chung

Hong Kong marine authorities have launched an investigation into five boats for alleged breaches of city laws through improper use of bright lights for fishing, an offence that can threaten navigational safety and cause annoyance to nearby residents.
The Marine Department said on Monday that it mounted three special operations in the city’s eastern and southern waters this month.
“During the operations, eight vessels were inspected, and five of them were suspected of using bright light improperly for fishing,” the department said.
“The department is further investigating the cases and gathering evidence for prosecution.”
A spokesman added no arrests had been made and no vessels were impounded.
He said two of the operations were joint efforts with the police.
The department carried out 31 operations in “waters of southern Lantau Island, southern Lamma Island, south of Hong Kong and east of Hong Kong” in the first six months of the year.
Thirteen prosecutions have been started against vessels for improper use of lights while fishing.
Authorities said strong light from fishing boats could affect lookouts on other vessels in the immediate area and compromise navigational safety as well as increase the chances of collisions or stranding.
Bright lights at night can also affect residents on the coast, disrupting their sleep, causing visual impairment and physical discomfort.
Fishing boats are allowed to use bright lights in designated areas such as Tolo Harbour, Port Shelter, and specified areas off northern, southern, and eastern Lantau, among others.

But fishermen must make sure no bright light is visible directly or by reflection from any source other than the sea’s surface, by making sure that the light source is “constructed, shaded and installed” in line with legislation.
People convicted of offences are liable to a fine of HK$5,000 (US$640).
City marine authorities have said they “will continue to step up patrols to combat the improper use of bright light for fishing activities”.
They added they met city fisheries organisations on a regular basis to distribute publicity and educational materials on regulations.
Thomas Chan Ting-hin, the environmental affairs officer of environmental group The Green Earth, appealed to the government to impose harsher penalties.
“Presently, the penalty is usually a fine of a few thousand dollars,” Chan said.
“Maybe the government can make the improper use of bright lights for fishing a factor to be considered when a vessel is renewing its licences.”
Chan added there had been complaints about bright lights on fishing boats from people who lived in coastal areas such as Sai Kung and Southern district.
“We are not talking about one or two boats using bright lights, but a dozen or even a score of boats, each accompanied by four smaller vessels that are each fitted with five to eight bright lights,” he said.
“You can see the sky over the area glowing.”


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Powerful lights may endanger navigational safety and increase likelihood of collisions or stranding of vessels in vicinity, authorities say


Powerful lights may endanger navigational safety and increase likelihood of collisions or stranding of vessels in vicinity, authorities say.


Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong marine authorities investigate 5 fishing boats for improper use of bright lights

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Powerful lights may endanger navigational safety and increase likelihood of collisions or stranding of vessels in vicinity, authorities say

Powerful lights may endanger navigational safety and increase likelihood of collisions or stranding of vessels in vicinity, authorities say