There are more than 1,000 hectares of inland fish ponds in Hong Kong, concentrated in the northwestern part of the New Territories, some of which are included in the proposed wetland conservation park.
Chen Guoxin, who has entered the 36th year of fish farming in Xintian, spent most of his life in fish ponds. Knowing that his fish ponds are included in the conservation blueprint, he said bluntly that "we agree to be a wetland park, at least conservation first."
At the age of 70, Chen Guoxin is worried that once he is asked to leave, he can only choose to retire. He has been wasted for many years. He most hopes that he will continue to rely on fish farming for his livelihood and live in an unfettered fish pond environment.
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Chen Guoxin has been engaged in fish farming for more than 40 years. He and his wife rented three fish ponds in Xintian with a total area of more than two hectares to raise aconitum, big head, carp, bream, etc. The aconitum alone has 22,000 fry in a year.
In the 1980s, he moved from Tin Shui Wai to Xintian. The breeding environment here is better and the supply of fresh water is good. Every time you clear the pond, you only need to use 10 packs of quicklime to adjust the pH.
The fish ponds also attracted many birds to visit. The Chens gradually became accustomed to them, and from time to time they used their mobile phones to capture harmonious pictures of them foraging in the fish ponds, and their knowledge of birds increased a lot.
The local fisheries are gradually declining. Chen Guoxin said helplessly that even if the water quality of the fish ponds improves, the survival rate of freshwater fish will increase from 50% to 80%, and the production and weight of freshwater fish will increase. However, the local fish ponds are gradually being reclaimed or abandoned. Faced with high production and stable supply , Mainland freshwater fish competition with similar prices, local fish are not sold much, and income is not satisfactory. "In the 1980s, a catty of aconite sold for more than 20 yuan, but the price of the fish in the fish pen was more than 20 yuan, which is already a good price."
Special report on wetland parks in northern metropolitan area:
Northern Metropolis｜The current situation of the site selection of the Three Wetland Parks One by one, the vast fish ponds are a paradise for birds
Northern Metropolis｜Wetland Park plan does not mention details
Northern Metropolis｜Ling Jiaqin: Wetlands must be properly managed and actively managed. Do not treat them with a conspiracy mentality
Over the years, Chen Guoxin has been accustomed to living in a small house built by the fish pond, and he has supported a family of six by relying on the fish pond.
(Photo by Lu Yiming)
Used to fish ponds, unrestrained and unrestrained, want to retire all day long in the park
However, Chen Guoxin has long been accustomed to the unrestrained living here in the hut built by the fish pond for many years. He also feeds a family of six in the fish pond. "A few fish and a few vegetables are enough for one meal." .
Once the government decided on the resumption of the land in the future, he lamented and said that it was a pity that he did not want to move back to Yuen Long.
He is full of anger and energy at work. He hopes to continue to operate the fish pond with his hands while he is still able to use his hands. "It took a lot of effort, manpower, and material resources. Of course, he doesn't want to reclaim the land... I have no plans in the future. I’m 70 years old. If you don’t retire, you will be forced to retire. No one asked me! I must want to continue my business and return."
Liu Zhaoqiang estimated that the Hok Kwai Wai, Sambo Tree and Nam Sang Wai Wetland Conservation Park covers most of the main fish ponds in Hong Kong, involving about 140 fish farmers, and the output accounts for about 95% of the local freshwater fish supply.
(Photo by Lu Yiming)
Huan Tuan advocates retaining fish farmers to operate fish ponds
The "Northern Metropolis Development Strategy" pointed out that after the private wetlands and fish ponds are recovered, together with the adjacent government land, the government will set up a multi-functional wetland conservation park, and entrust appropriate NGOs or establish credible institutions to manage them.
Chief Executive Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also pointed out a few days ago that the conservation policy "is not purely stifling agriculture and fisheries," but it hopes that agriculture and fisheries will develop better in the new era. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate fish farming or farming areas so that people who enter the farm have a better operating environment. "Of course I hope to see people who have been engaged in fisheries and agriculture, who can operate in a new environment."
Liu Zhaoqiang, Senior Manager of Hong Kong Biodiversity and Conservation Policy of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Hong Kong Branch, estimates that the Hok Husk Wai, Samboshu and Nam Sang Wai Wetland Conservation Park covers most of the major fish ponds in Hong Kong, involving about 140 fish farmers. It accounts for about 95% of the local freshwater fish supply.
Liu believes that fish farmers have been operating there for at least half a century. Once they leave the market, they will affect the ecology and the supply of local freshwater fish. He also pointed out that Deep Bay has high ecological value. It is only because of the management and fish farming that the birds have food. He hopes to plan In addition to the wetland conservation park, fish farmers should also consider the experience of fish farmers in managing fish ponds, and retain the human element to continue management.
Environment Bureau: Continue to support the fish farming industry
The Environment Bureau replied that the wetlands in the Deep Bay area are mainly fish ponds. The relevant government departments will communicate and cooperate with fish farmers to continue to support the fish farming industry, including encouraging fish farmers to operate eco-friendly fish ponds so that wild animals can live in the fish ponds. Foraging to maintain the ecological value of the fish pond wetland.
Policy Address | The Institute of Planners Advocates a Timetable for the Northern Metropolis to Do Ecological Research on Wetlands. The park includes the Nan Sang Wai area or the developer’s land policy address | Environmental group worry about wetland construction to offset the lack of infrastructure or expansion of the damage to the green belt. Policy report | Development of 30,000 hectares in the northern metropolitan area will receive 900,000 private wetlands Residential
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