Hong Kong’s No 2 official urges public to stay away from whale after wounds spotted on its back
- Chief Secretary Eric Chan orders police, conservation officers and Marine Department to stop people from flocking to waters where whale has been seen
- Marine biologist says wounds on its back appear to have been caused by ship propellers
Hong Kong’s No 2 official has told the marine police to step up patrols in waters where a whale has been spotted and keep tourists away after wounds were seen on the creature’s back possibly caused by boat propellers.
Authorities on Wednesday also warned that whales were protected animals and getting too close to them could constitute an offence if it caused them harm.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who is acting chief executive while John Lee Ka-chiu is overseas, said he had ordered the police, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Marine Department to remind the public to avoid taking out boats in hopes of catching a glimpse of the creature, which is rarely seen in local waters.
“It is worrying to see pictures showing what looked like wounds on the back of the whale that were suspected to have been caused by propellers,” Chan said. “As marine experts have pointed out, whales are sensitive creatures and can be easily affected by such external factors as human interference and noise. More importantly, all of us have the responsibility to protect and care for the whale.”
The conservation department said all cetaceans were protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance.
“Irresponsible whale watching behaviour may constitute an act of wilful disturbance of protected wild animals,” the spokesman said. “Offenders are liable to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of HK$100,000 [US$12,800] upon conviction.”