ACE wants short-term fix to protect ocean visitors
The Advisory Council on the Environment on Monday said it hopes authorities will offer short-term solutions to protect endangered marine species that enter Hong Kong waters. The council's call came after ecology minister Tse Chin-wan admitted there was room for improvement in handling the large baleen whale that had been spotted swimming in waters off Sai Kung for two weeks before its dead body was found in late July. In a statement, the council said it supports the government's multi-pronged approach to prevent recurrence of similar tragedies, including reviewing and modifying the law, but said it hopes more can be done in the meantime. "While understanding that law amendments will take time, the ACE hopes that the relevant departments will endeavour to implement some short-term solutions and feasible measures for handling different species that may enter the Hong Kong waters," the council said. The administration earlier said it would strengthen public education, formulate a set of protocols, and learn from other places who have dealt with similar situations. The council's spokesman said the death of the whale has taught Hong Kong people a valuable lesson: that they should learn to respect and live harmoniously with nature.