Contents
1 Preamble
2.1 Background
3 Organisation, Management and Administration of the FMP
3.3 Engagement with the Fishery Sector for Preparation of FMP
3.4 Goal
3.5 Management and Financing of the FMP
3.8 Review and Evaluation of the FMP
4.1 Background
4.4 Implementation and Funding
5 Summary
ANNEXES
Annex A Overview of
Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy (MEFES)
Annex B
Physical Description and
Fisheries Setting
Annex C Draft Terms
of Reference for Fisheries Enhancement Fund Management Committee
Annex D Potential
Initiatives and Performance Indicators under the Four Key Themes
1
Preamble
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (“AAHK”) is
responsible for operations of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Its HKIA Master Plan 2030 (MP2030)
recommended expansion of HKIA into a three-runway system (3RS) (“the Project”)
as the best way forward to cope with the projected increase in air traffic
demand and to secure the continual growth of HKIA operation for the benefit of
the economic development of Hong Kong.
For planning purposes, this development option for HKIA received
approval in principle from the Government of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 20 March 2012.
An
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Report for the Project was prepared
in accordance with the study brief requirements (ESB-250/2012) issued by the
Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
The EIA Report for the Project (Register No. AEIAR-185/2014) was
approved by EPD on 7 November 2014 and the Environmental Permit (EP) (EP No. EP-489/2014) granted on 7 November 2014.
As part of the EIA
Study, AAHK has proposed to formulate and implement a Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy (MEFES). The MEFES for the Project has been set
up for the purpose of enhancing the marine environment for the benefit of
marine ecology (including Chinese White Dolphins (CWDs)) and fisheries
resources in the vicinity of the project area, in Hong Kong western waters and
further afield into the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). It is also for the purpose of providing
support and assistance to affected fishers to achieve more sustainable fishing
operations. Figure 1.1
presents a schematic overview of the different elements of the MEFES and their
proposed funding sources. Details of the MEFES are provided in
Annex A.
In accordance with EP Conditions 2.8 and 2.13, AAHK will establish
independent Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF) and Fisheries Enhancement
Fund (FEF), respectively, to fund initiatives proposed by third‐parties (eg Non‐Governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers
and the fishery sector) that support the objectives of the MEFES. A Marine Ecology Conservation Plan
(MECP) and a Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) are developed to describe the
proposed mechanism for the implementation of the MEEF and FEF as well as the
goals and themes under which funding applications can be made.
This document
presents the FMP of the 3RS Project.
2
Introduction
2.1
Background
As part of
commitments included in the EIA Study, the AAHK proposed to formulate and
implement a MEFES. Initiatives
under the MEFES will be to assist
fishers operating in the western Hong Kong waters who may need to change
fishing activities due to the proposed Project, and to enhance marine ecology
and fisheries resources in western Hong Kong waters especially Lantau waters (refer to Section 14.11 of the EIA Report). Through its discussions with stakeholders
and experts, AAHK identified the following key enhancement aspects for
inclusion in the MEFES:
·
Support and enhance
on-going fisheries operations;
·
Support measures that
assist in shifting fisheries operations; and
·
Support the promotion
and enhancement of fisheries-related business opportunities.
Following a
request for further information, supplementary information to the EIA Study was
provided to EPD to elaborate the commitments for the MEFES that were outlined
in Section 14.11 of the EIA Report
(available at http://www.epd.gov.hk/eia/register/report/eiareport/eia_2232014/further_info/pdf/Marine_Ecology_and_Fisheries_Enhancement_Plan.pdf ).
The three
key enhancement aspects were discussed in more detail in the supplementary
attachment, and opportunities for additional enhancement of marine habitats
during construction phase were also described.
Supplemental
information was also provided to outline the public consultation/ stakeholder
engagement plan for proposed arrangements for funding and management of the
enhancement initiatives, through the establishment of the FEF and MEEF and the
associated Fund Management Committees.
Details of the mode of operation of the Committees, as well as
procedures for allocating and awarding funding, were
proposed to be devised in consultation with relevant stakeholders before
commencement of construction.
Additional
detail on the design, operation and management of the MEFES and the
implementation of the FEF and MEEF was presented in the 200th meeting of
the Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) held on 15 September 2014 which
discussed the EIA Report of the 3RS Project. ACE provided views on the EIA report to
the Director of Environmental Protection (DEP) with conditions that AAHK shall
establish independent MEEF and FEF for implementation of a MECP and a FMP. AAHK shall also set up a management
committee for each of the funds.
The Permit
conditions set out in the EP ([1])
related to the submission of a FMP and the establishment of a FEF are as
follows.
EP No. EP-489/2014, Condition 2.13
“The Permit Holder shall establish
an independent Fisheries Enhancement Fund (The Fund). The Permit Holder shall, no later than 3
months before the commencement of reclamation related marine works of the
Project, submit 3 hard copies and 1 electronic copy of a detailed Fisheries
Management Plan (The Plan) to the Director for approval. The Plan shall be prepared in
collaboration with fishermen for supporting the fishing industry and enhancing
fisheries resources in the western Hong Kong waters especially the Lantau
waters. A management committee
shall be set up for The Fund with members from fishermen and relevant
stakeholders for effective implementation of The Plan.
The Permit Holder shall consult
the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation in preparing The Plan
and submit The Plan to the ACE [Advisory Council on the Environment] for
comment prior to the submission to the Director for approval.”
2.2
Purpose of the FMP
As stated in
the MEFES and EP Condition 2.13, the purpose of the FMP is, in essence, to
support the fishing industry and enhance fisheries resources in the western
Hong Kong waters especially the Lantau waters. A management committee will also be set
up for the FEF with members from fishermen and relevant stakeholders for
effective implementation of the FMP.
By assisting third parties through the provision of funding for relevant
measures and initiatives, AAHK intends to create the necessary stimulus to
support the enhancement of fisheries resources and sustainable development of
the fishing industry.
This FMP outlines the proposed mechanism for the implementation, the
funding arrangement, and the setting up of a management committee for the FEF
to manage and administer the FMP.
Some potential fisheries management, support and enhancement initiatives
are also included in an annex to this document to provide assistance to the
management committee in effectively implementing the FMP.
2.3
Structure of the FMP
Following
this introductory section, the remainder of this FMP is organized as follows:
·
Section 3 presents
the overall goal of the FMP and the organisation, management and administration
of the FMP;
·
Section 4 introduces
the goals, objectives as well as the implementation and evaluation of the key
themes under the FMP; and
·
Section 5 summarizes
the overall framework of the FMP.
3
Organisation,
Management and Administration of the FMP
3.1
Geographical
Coverage
The FMP has
been formulated for the management, support and enhancement of the fisheries
resources and the fishing industry in western Hong Kong waters especially the
Lantau waters. The area of interest
for this FMP therefore includes marine waters and habitats surrounding the 3RS
land formation and north and west Lantau waters.
It should be
noted that the initiatives and measures introduced to the fisheries habitats
and fishing grounds of the area of interest could potentially introduce longer
term benefits to the fisheries of adjacent marine waters. Also the area of interest can go beyond
that identified above if it is reviewed in the future that management, support
and enhancement initiatives and effort are well spent in this area and other
areas in the vicinity would benefit from AAHK’s enhancement strategy.
3.2
Over-Arching Aspects
Annex B provides a high-level
description of the physical and fisheries characteristics of western Hong Kong
waters, in particular north and west Lantau waters. This review provides the basis for
identifying key habitats, species or ecological resources that may warrant
focused effort in supporting the fishing industry and enhancing fisheries
resources under the FMP. A summary
map of the identified sites of fisheries importance in north and west Lantau
waters is presented in Figure 3.1. From the information presented it is
noted that there are aspects of the broader environment that provide opportunities
for supporting the fishing industry and enhancing fisheries resources. The EP for the 3RS Project references
the above in Condition 2.13 as follows:
“The Plan
shall be prepared in collaboration with fishermen for supporting the fishing industry and enhancing fisheries resources in the western Hong Kong
waters especially the Lantau waters”
3.2.1
Support the Fishing Industry
Given the
numerous challenges facing the Hong Kong industry culminating from a variety of
circumstances over many years, AAHK is committed to identifying opportunities
to assist fishermen operating in the western Hong Kong waters. In order to provide extra assistance to
the affected fishermen or fishing communities, and also to promote the
sustainable development of the fishing industry as a whole, the FMP is tailored
towards having a series of initiatives and incentives to help achieve
sustainable fishing operations. A
majority of these support measures are developed in collaboration with fishermen to
ensure that they are practicable, feasible and fit for the sustainable modes of
operations and businesses of the fishermen.
3.2.2
Enhancement of
Fisheries Resources
AAHK has
identified the potential to enhance habitats for fisheries resources in nearby
sites of fisheries importance and beyond during project development and
operation. Habitat enhancement is
expected to occur over time in particular from the expanded matrix of marine
protected areas, potentially bringing benefits to fisheries resources and
subsequently to fishermen operating in north and west Lantau waters.
3.3
Engagement
with the Fishery Sector for Preparation of FMP
As part of the preparation of this FMP, consultations with the fishery
sector have been undertaken to better understand their specific needs for
support which could be formulated under the FMP. Focused discussions in the form of
face-to-face meetings with representatives of the fishermen associations were
completed. These consultations were
conducted in 2015 with the LegCo member of the
Agriculture and Fisheries Functional Constituency, Hong Kong Fishermen
Consortium, the Aberdeen Fisher Women’s Association, the Hong Kong Fishermen’s
Association, the
Hong Kong Fishery Alliance, Lamma Island Fishing
Promotion Association as well as fishermen representatives from Tuen Mun, Tung Chung, Tai O,
Tsuen Wan, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and
Aberdeen. Overall the consultees
acknowledge AAHK’s effort in assisting the industry through the FMP and the
associated FEF and are supportive of the FMP of the 3RS Project. Ideas on specific support and
enhancement initiatives or incentives have been provided and these have been
incorporated into this FMP where possible.
Valuable feedback on the experience that they have for applying for
similar funding has been shared with a view to improving the administration and
operation of the FEF, and comments on the membership and operation of the
management committee of the FEF were also sought.
It is AAHK’s intention to continue this open dialogue with the fishery sector
during the development and implementation of the FMP.
3.4
Goal
As described in Section 14.11
of the EIA report, the ultimate goal of the MEFES is to provide support to
assist fishermen operating in the western Hong Kong waters who
have faced an increasingly difficult operating environment in recent years, and
enhance marine ecology and fisheries resources in western Hong Kong waters
especially the Lantau waters. In this way, the implementation of the 3RS
Project is intended to provide an opportunity to give cumulative benefit to
fisheries resources and the fishing industry in north and west Lantau waters.
3.5
Management and
Financing of the FMP
AAHK will
ensure the FMP is implemented in compliance with the requirements of Condition
2.13 of EP No. EP-489/2014 and have oversight of the
implementation of studies and projects under the key aspects and initiatives of
the plan. Specific AAHK
responsibilities for the key themes are presented below in Section 4 of this document.
To meet the goal and objectives of the FMP, substantial resources, both
financial and manpower support, are essential. Therefore an independent FEF, managed
by a management committee, will be established for effective implementation of
the FMP. It is noted that the FEF
is intended to fund studies and projects that are non-profit making in nature
only. Exceptions may be made for
studies and projects with a commercial element to demonstrate the technical
feasibility and commercial viability of new sustainable fisheries practices and
this would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This is further described in the
guidance notes of the FEF.
3.5.1
Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF)
The MEFES prepared as part of the EIA Study led to development of a
preliminary budget estimate for the MEEF and FEF. The two Funds would be in total in the
order of HK$200 - 300 million, subject to approval from the Board of AAHK. Subsequently during the ACE discussion,
AAHK had committed a substantial sum of up to HK$150 million for each Fund, and
both Funds were initially planned to run for around 10 years, with a large
portion of the fund expected to be used for scientific research, studies and
follow-on actions/ initiatives in the initial years.
Recommendations from initial discussions with fishermen representatives
highlighted the need to provide sufficient resources for the long-term and
sustainable fisheries conservation and enhancement effort. In response to the recommendations, the
initial plan to run the FEF for around 10 years has been reviewed and it is
apparent that a fund that can support initiatives over the long term would be
much preferred and in line with the fishing industry’s expectation. To achieve this it is considered that an
endowment fund arrangement whereby seed money is invested to target the generation
of investment return to meet an annual budget (“Annual Allocation”) that is
able to support the FMP in the long term.
The endowment fund arrangement is targeted to generate 4% annual return
based on an optimistic forecast. In
the event that the expected investment return is not achieved, any shortfall
below the Annual Allocation as approved by the Steering Committee is proposed
to be topped up by an additional top-up fund to ensure that resources to
support FMP are not compromised.
On the basis of the above, AAHK proposes that a funding amount of HK$100
million is to be put under an endowment arrangement targeted to generate an
income of HK$4 million to support FEF initiatives for long-term and sustainable
fisheries conservation and enhancement efforts. This amount is proposed with
consideration of the potential return that can be deemed adequate to fund
projects of various scales and duration.
In view of the possible fluctuation of investment income and the need
for stable funding support, in particular for the initial years of its
implementation, it is proposed to establish an additional HK$100 million top-up
fund for both MEEF and FEF to meet any shortfall on investment income below the
Annual Allocation for the FEF.
In addition, as the key objectives of FEF are to support the fishing
industry and to enhance fisheries in western Hong Kong waters consequent to 3RS
construction, it is expected a significant portion of the funding support would
need to be deployed in the initial years, particularly during the marine
construction stage of the project.
It is therefore proposed to allocate HK$50 million at the onset of FEF.
In summary, AAHK proposes the following arrangement for the FEF:
·
A committed initial
HK$50 million allocation to jump start the implementation of the FMP in the
initial years of establishment;
·
A committed initial
HK$100 million allocation as an endowment fund. The HK$100 million endowment arrangement
is targeted to return around HK$4 million per year, these funds to be used to implement
the FMP; and
·
Any shortfall below
the Annual Allocation amount is proposed to be topped up by an additional
top-up fund established for both the FEF and the MEEF, which has a cap of
HK$100 million in total.
The above fund arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3.2. The proposed arrangement provides an
initial quantification of funds committed for implementing the FMP,
representing AAHK’s commitment in contributing to enhancing fisheries resources
and supporting the fishing industry in practical and effective ways in north
and west Lantau waters.
Figure 3.2 Proposed
Fund Arrangement for the Fisheries Enhancement Fund
(FEF)
|
|
The proposed funding application, approval and allocation mechanism will
be further developed and described in detail in the instrument constituting the
fund, the guidance notes and application form for the fund.
3.5.2
Proposed
Fund Management Structure
The FMP will
be launched in consultation with relevant stakeholders, in particular the
fishing industry. Consequently, in
order to formalise the process and provide a platform for dialogue AAHK will
establish a management committee (FEF-MC) to administer the FEF for the
effective implementation of the FMP.
In addition, a Steering Committee is proposed to be established to
provide overall directional guidance / policies for the fund operation to enable sufficient resources will remain
available for the fund to meet its objectives in a long-term and sustainable
manner. The FEF-MC will
approve recommended funding applications that are within the Annual
Allocation. The Steering Committee
will not override FEF-MC decisions on funding application approvals within the
Annual Allocation and will not undermine the role of the FEF-MC. The management arrangement of the FEF is
illustrated in Figure 3.3.
Figure 3.3 Proposed
Management Arrangement for the Fisheries Enhancement
Fund Management Committee (FEF-MC)
|
|
Fisheries Enhancement Fund Management
Committee (FEF-MC)
It is
envisaged that the FEF-MC will be composed of a membership including AAHK,
Fishermen’s Association representative(s) and fisheries expert(s). Relevant stakeholders (including, but
not limited to, community leaders, people having expertise/ experience in
managing similar funds, academic(s) and green group representative(s)) would
also be considered for appointment into the management committee. The exact membership will be determined
subject to agreement from potential candidates. AAHK will serve (or will procure a third
party to serve) as the Secretariat for the FEF-MC. The setup and operation of the FEF have
made reference to the AFCD’s Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund.
The remit of
the FEF-MC will be to manage and operate the FEF so as to ensure that funds are
granted to studies and projects relevant and appropriate to the key themes and
initiatives of the FMP. Its primary
role is to determine the criteria for the selection of initiatives to be funded
by FEF, to make recommendations on funding applications that meet the fund
objectives and approve the applications that are within the Annual Allocation
approved by the Steering Committee.
The FEF-MC will study the proposals and report the approved applications
to the Steering Committee. If the
recommended funding support exceeded the proposed Annual Allocation in any particular year, the
FEF-MC will present the recommendations to the Steering Committee for
consideration and approval of the shortfall from the HK$50 million jump start
amount and when the HK$50 million jump start amount has been depleted, then
from the top-up fund. For each
approved application, appropriate reporting on progress is required and the
FEF-MC will monitor and review the project outcomes, including the
effectiveness of the approved applications in achieving the goals and
objectives of the FEF, so as to make necessary
refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses. The draft terms of reference for the
FEF-MC (which will be subject to review / revision by the committee members)
has been prepared and is included in Annex C.
Steering Committee
AAHK
proposes to establish a Steering Committee to provide overall directional
guidance / policies for the operation of the FEF to enable sufficient resources
will remain available for the fund to meet its objectives in a long-term and sutainable manner.
Its functions will include:
·
steering and reviewing the operations
of FEF (but it will not have authority to override matters within the exclusive
power of the FEF-MC);
·
approving the funding
budget to be allocated to the FEF-MC;
·
overseeing the use,
allocation, and investment performance of the FEF; and
·
reviewing the overall funding
situation including the sufficiency and sustainability of the top-up fund
arrangement.
Besides, if the
total funding amount of the applications recommended by the FEF-MC exceeds the Annual Allocation, the Steering Committee may exercise its
discretion to approve the recommended application(s) for funding support by
drawing the shortfall from the top-up fund.
It is
envisaged that the Steering Committee will be chaired by the AAHK and composed
of the chairperson of the FEF-MC, chairperson of the MEEF-MC and other non-AAHK
members nominated by reputable organisation(s) in the environmental management,
engineering, investment, or financial areas. For clarity, there does not need to be a
member in each of the areas referred to above and the members may be nominated
by one or more reputable organisations.
The exact membership will be determined subject to agreement from
potential candidates. AAHK will
serve (or will procure a third party to serve) as the Secretariat for the
Steering Committee. It should be
noted that the Steering Committee is also proposed to provide oversight to the
MEEF and MECP to be prepared under separate cover.
Appointment Procedure
The Secretariat will invite reputable
organisations in the environmental management, engineering, investment, or
financial areas to nominate person(s) having relevant professional expertise /
experience to occupy the seats of 4 member(s) of the Steering Committee.
The
Secretariat will:
·
appoint the persons nominated by the
organisation(s) as described above to be those 4 members above of the Steering
Committee upon their acceptance; and
·
appoint the person nominated by AAHK as
described above to be the Chairperson of the Steering Committee upon their
acceptance.
3.5.3
FEF-MC Membership
It is suggested that the membership reflects
the four broad themes that will comprise the FMP. The FEF-MC will provide balanced views
on on-going fisheries operation and sustainable management and enhancement of
fisheries resources. It is proposed
that the committee will comprise of 11 to 13 members (including the
Chairperson), including Fishermen’s Association representative(s), Fisheries
Expert(s), Relevant Stakeholder(s) and up to 2 representatives nominated by
AAHK. It is envisaged that AAHK
will not chair the FEF-MC. The code
of conduct will be agreed amongst the FEF-MC.
Fishermen’s
Association representative(s)
Fishermen’s Association representative(s)
will be engaged as the member(s) of the FEF-MC to oversee the need of the
projects, especially in the Fisheries Industry theme and provide comments to
enhance current fisheries operations to develop sustainable fisheries industry.
Fisheries Expert(s)
Fisheries expert(s) will be engaged as the
member(s) of the FEF-MC to oversee the potential benefits of the projects in
all themes to consider whether the projects could enhance fisheries resources to
achieve sustainability. Fisheries
expert(s) will
also review the proposed assessment for the measurement of project performance
as well as provide comments to enhance the effectiveness of the projects.
Relevant
Stakeholder(s)
Relevant Stakeholder(s), such as members from
fisheries trade business and aquaculture technology ,
will be engaged as the member(s) of the FEF-MC to oversee the potential
benefits of the projects in all themes.
They will justify the proposed assessment for the measurement of project
performance as well as provide comments to enhance the effectiveness of the
project. Community
leader(s) as well as people having expertise / experience in managing similar
funds will also be considered for appointment into the FEF-MC to provide advice
on the fund administration and help streamline the implementation and
management of the fund. In
addition, academic(s) and green group representative(s) would also be invited
to join the FEF-MC to provide balanced views on on-going fisheries operation and
sustainable management and enhancement of fisheries resources.
AAHK
Member(s)
As the core focus areas of the FEF-MC are
sustainable fisheries industry and community benefits, it is suggested there
will be up to 2 representatives nominated by AAHK on the Committee, which may
include the associated specialist / environmental consultant(s).
Appointment
Procedure
The Secretariat of the FEF-MC will compile a
list of potential candidates including, but not limited to, any member of any
consultative and advisory committee of the AFCD to be the Chairperson and
members of the FEF-MC that satisfy the composition stated above.
The Secretariat will invite the potential
candidate(s) to be Chairperson or member(s) of the FEF-MC.
The Secretariat will appoint the candidate(s)
to be Chairperson or member(s) of the FEF-MC upon their acceptance. If potential candidate(s) declined the
invitation, the Secretariat will propose alternative candidate(s) to ensure
that the FEF-MC would meet the composition requirements stated above.
Each member of the FEF-MC will be appointed
for a fixed term of 3 years, unless otherwise agreed with that member.
3.5.4
Secretariat Structure, Role & Responsibilities
AAHK will provide secretarial services (or
will procure the provision of secretarial services by an external third party)
to the FEF to facilitate the functions of the Steering Committee and the
FEF-MC.
The secretariat will:
·
be responsible for the preparation of
meeting notices, agendas, meeting translation and minute taking;
·
collate progress
reports / final reports submitted by funded projects, as well as the summary of
total applications received, successful applications, ongoing projects and
completed projects in a year for review and reference by the Steering Committee
and the FEF-MC; and
·
work with the AAHK and
the Chairperson of the FEF-MC to ensure proper expertise is present at relevant
meetings.
3.6
Proposal Selection
It is
expected that criteria for the selection of successful initiatives for funding
will be formulated and agreed by the FEF-MC. The Steering Committee will not override
a decision of the FEF-MC and will not undermine the role of the FEF-MC. In general, it is anticipated proposals
will be evaluated based on the strength of their contribution to MEFES objectives
and the overarching aspects stated in Section 3.2 in terms of providing the
outcomes that will clearly benefit habitats and species and stakeholders
(public and fishers ([2])) (Figure
3.4). It is expected that while proposals may
focus on one theme, they may be able to contribute across other themes, which
could be taken into account in evaluations.
3.7
Implementation Plan
It is
expected that the FMP will be implemented throughout the construction and operation
phases of the 3RS Project. AAHK
endeavours to implement the FMP and approve and allocate funding to studies and
projects that meet the goal and objectives of the FMP as soon as practical
subject to the timely establishment and recommendations from the FEF-MC. A tentative programme for the
implementation of the FMP is presented in Table 3.1. The
AAHK has been conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders and the AFCD
to formulate the FMP. It is
expected that the FMP will be submitted to ACE for comment in Q4 2015, followed
by submission to the DEP in Q1 2016.
The establishment of FEF and FEF-MC will commence after the final
approval by the DEP and the fund is planned to be in place for application in
Q3 2016.
Table 3.1 Tentative
Programme for the Implementation of FMP
|
Key Tasks |
Time |
|
Consultation
with relevant atakeholders and the AFCD |
2015 -
Ongoing |
|
Submission
of FMP to ACE for comment |
2015 Q4 |
|
Submission
of FMP to the DEP for approval |
2016 Q1 |
|
Establishment
of the FEF and FEF-MC |
2016 Q2 (1) |
|
Call for
funding applications |
2016 Q3 (1) |
|
Note: (1)
Subject to the final approval by the DEP. |
|
3.8
Review and Evaluation of the FMP
In order to determine whether the FMP is successful in achieving the goal presented in Section 3.4 it is important to implement a mechanism for reviewing and evaluating the success of the Plan and supported initiatives. Review and evaluation mechanisms are proposed for each of the four themes in Section 4. The FEF-MC will monitor the performance of the funded applications so as to make necessary refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses.
4
Key Themes of the FMP
4.1
Background
The FMP aims to achieve its goals through the following key objectives:
·
Support measures that
help to achieve sustainable management and enhancement of fisheries resources;
·
Support and enhance
on-going fisheries operations in a sustainable manner;
·
Support measures that
assist in shifting fisheries operations; and
·
Support the promotion
and enhancement of fisheries-related business opportunities.
The FMP is therefore organized into four themes, each of which is
developed further and discussed in detail below.
A key theme of the FMP is to support measures that help to achieve
sustainable management and enhancement of fisheries resources, which further
ensures sustainable fisheries resources rather than facilitating the fishing
sector to increase their catch. It
is important to note that the concept of sustainable fisheries is also embedded
in the other three key themes of the FMP whereby sustainable modes of operation
and alternative livelihood and business opportunities will be supported;
consequently an enhancement of fisheries resources is expected when fishing
effort is kept within sustainable levels.
4.1.1
Support Measures that Help to Achieve Sustainable Management and
Enhancement of Fisheries Resources
Certain
management measures, controls and restrictions can be explored and undertaken to
enhance fisheries resources.
Examples include training to fishermen on the concept of sustainable fisheries in order to raise their
awareness of the long-term ecological and economic importance of conserving and
enhancing fisheries resources in Hong Kong.
4.1.2
Support and Enhance On-going Fisheries Operations in a Sustainable
Manner
Given the challenges facing the marine capture fishery industry (refer to Annex B), it is considered critical to propose initiatives
under the FMP to support and enhance on-going fisheries operation in the north
Lantau waters in a sustainable manner.
4.1.3
Support Measures that Assist in Shifting Fisheries Operations
Although initiatives are provided to support the ongoing
fisheries operations within the north Lantau waters as well as ensure operators
explore new fishing grounds, it is considered possible that some operators may
want to change their livelihood considering the challenging operating
environment. Alternative livelihoods may include aquaculture which is considered
as a practical alternative for capture fishermen to make a living using their
knowledge on fisheries operations in the marine environment.
4.1.4
Support the Promotion and Enhancement of Fisheries-related Business Opportunities
Certain business opportunities are noted to be fisheries-related and can
thus be adopted by the fishery communities. Examples include fisheries-based
eco-tourism where tourist can tour the Hong Kong fishing grounds and observe
fishing operations onboard.
Fishermen using their vessels may also be engaged in eco-tourism related
to dolphin watching and recreational fishing.
4.2
Goals and Objectives
4.2.1
Support Measures that Help to Achieve Sustainable Management and
Enhancement of Fisheries Resources
The goal of the current theme of “Support Measures that Help to Achieve
Sustainable Management and Enhancement of Fisheries Resources” is to promote
sustainable fisheries for the ultimate benefit of conserving and enhancing
fisheries resources in a long term.
Specific objectives under this theme are as follows:
·
To explore and
examine practicable management measures that could be implemented by the
fishery sector to enhance the sustainable use of fisheries resources (eg reduce capture of non target
fish and fry, identify seasonal fishing grounds, etc.); and
·
To build and improve
overall capacity of fishery operators to promote sustainable fisheries.
4.2.2
Support and Enhance On-going Fisheries Operations in a Sustainable
Manner
The main goal of the Support and Enhance On-going Fisheries Operations
in a Sustainable Manner Theme is to ensure that the affected fisheries
operations in the north Lantau waters can be
sustained and promoted to allow fishermen to address the challenges facing the
industry which have culminated from a variety of circumstances in recent
years. The specific
objectives of this theme are as follows:
·
Optimise the on-going
fisheries operations to increase operational range to allow fishing activity to
be conducted in alternative locations by affected fishermen;
·
Through initiatives
including technology, engine and equipment upgrades, improve efficiency and
environmental performance of operations to allow for improvement of
cost-effectiveness and competitiveness to enable the feasibility of fishing in
alternative locations; and
·
To build and improve
overall capacity of fishery operators to adapt to improved technology.
4.2.3
Support Measures that Assist in Shifting Fisheries Operations
The goal of the Support Measures that Assist in Shifting Fisheries
Operations Theme is to assist fishermen in developing alternative livelihoods
related to aquaculture. Specific objectives of this theme are:
·
To allow fishermen to
build their capacity in order to enhance their employment / development
opportunities in aquaculture; and
·
To assist fishermen
in developing aquaculture practices by providing ongoing support on technology
development, equipment purchase / upgrades, product marketing and knowledge
transfer.
4.2.4
Support the Promotion and Enhancement of Fisheries-related Business
Opportunities
The goal of the current theme of “Support the Promotion and Enhancement
of Fisheries‐related Business Opportunities” is to assist fishermen in
developing fisheries-related business opportunities. Specific objectives under this theme are
as follows:
·
To enable fishermen
achieving self-reliance, maintaining their own livelihoods and coping with the
changing operating environment of the fisheries related business;
·
To explore and
enhance the feasibility of developing fisheries-based eco-tourism; and
·
To diversify the
skills of fishermen to other fisheries-related business by provision of
appropriate training.
4.3
Potential
Initiatives
Indicative example initiatives under each of the four themes are
provided in Annex D. The initiatives are not
considered to be definitive, but demonstrate
some possible opportunities under the MEFES for
developing sustainable fishing industry and fishery resource enhancement in
western Hong Kong waters. It should be noted that the actual
initiatives to be undertaken under each theme will be proposed by third-party
applicants for consideration by the FEF-MC.
4.4
Implementation
and Funding
The initiatives of the four themes involve substantial activities that need to be conducted
during the construction and
operational phases of the 3RS development. It should be noted that as the funding
applications for each initiative will depend on interest of applicants, it is
not possible to estimate funding allocation for individual initiatives at this
stage. Funding for initiatives will
be as per funding agreements between third-party applicants and the FEF-MC and
are also not included in this FMP.
It is expected that
initiatives submitted by third-parties will have focused implementation/work
plans yet to be discussed with AAHK and FEF-MC and that these would be separate
activity driven documents and not included within this FMP.
4.5
Roles and
Responsibility
Several entities are identified who will be integral to achieving the
overall goal of the four key themes.
These entities and their roles and responsibilities of these entities
are presented below.
|
AAHK |
The
main role of the AAHK will be to ensure the FMP is implemented in compliance
with the requirements of Condition 2.13 of EP No. EP-489/2014. AAHK will also provide assistance to applicants, on administrative
support as well as technical support if needed, e.g. review and comment on
the proposed activities under individual initiatives. |
|
FEF-MC |
The
main role of the FEF-MC will be to oversee the management and implementation of the
activities under individual initiatives.
|
4.6
Review and
Evaluation
In order to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of supported
initiatives under the four themes, a process of ongoing performance evaluation
is proposed. It is suggested that
performance evaluation shall be arranged around groups of specific high level
performance indicators. The example
performance indicators envisaged at this early stage are detailed in Annex D.
The FEF-MC will monitor the performance of the funded applications so as
to make necessary refinement/ adjustment to future funding focuses.
It should be noted that the performance indicators will be set and agreed between the third-party applicants and the FEF-MC for the actual initiatives to be undertaken under each theme.
5
Summary
This document presents details on the proposed mechanism for the implementation,
the funding arrangement, and the setting up of a management committee for the
FEF to manage and administer the FMP.
It aims to support the fishing industry and enhance
fisheries resources in the western Hong Kong waters especially the Lantau
waters during the
construction and the operation of the Project. In addition, the document
contains information on the goal, management and administration of the FMP and
introduces the four themes that when implemented are expected to achieve the
stated goal. These themes are:
·
Support measures that
help to achieve sustainable management and enhancement of fisheries resources;
·
Support and enhance
on‐going fisheries operations in a sustainable manner;
·
Support measures that
assist in shifting fisheries operations; and
·
Support the promotion
and enhancement of fisheries‐related
business opportunities.
To support the initiatives with the stated goals and objectives in a
long-term and sustainable manner, it is considered that an endowment fund
arrangement whereby seed money is invested to generate an annual investment
return that is able to support the FMP in a long term. In the event that the targeted
investment return is not achieved, any shortfall below the Annual Allocation is
proposed to be topped up by an additional top-up fund to ensure that resources
to support FMP are not compromised.
A significant initial allocation outside of the endowment arrangement is
also proposed to jump start the implementation of the FMP in the initial years
of establishment. It is important to note that the endowment fund with top-up
fund arrangement would allow funds to be available sustainably and AAHK will
ensure the FMP is implemented in compliance with the requirements of Condition
2.13 of EP No. EP-489/2014 and have oversight of the
implementation of studies and projects under the key aspects and initiatives of
the plan.
AAHK will
establish a FEF-MC, composing of members from AAHK, fishermen’s association
representatives, fisheries experts and relevant stakeholders (including, but
not limited to, community leaders, people having expertise/ experience in
managing similar funds, academic(s) and green group representative(s)) to
administer the FEF for the effective implementation of the FMP and approve the
applications that are within the Annual
Allocation.
In addition, a Steering Committee is proposed to be established to
provide overall directional guidance / policies for the fund operation to enable sufficient resources will remain
available for the fund to meet its objectives in a long-term and sustainable
manner. It is planned to establish
the FEF and FEF-MC in Q2 2016 and initiate fund application in Q3 2016, subject
to the final approval by DEP.