Case Study on the Fishpond Management Programme in Northwest New Territories, Hong Kong

Challenges and Objectives

The Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in Hong Kong is one of the most important wetlands in East Asia – Australian Flyway as more than 50,000 waterbirds utilise the area all year round. Apart from the mudflat and “Gei Wai” (literally meaning a pond enclosed by bunds), fishponds also provide feeding and loafing grounds for a wide range of bird species on a seasonal pattern and form a particularly important habitat for Herons, Egrets and Spoonbills. However, there were initial tensions between protecting migratory birds that visited fishponds to feed, and the needs of fishpond operators to sustain their livelihoods from fish harvesting without loss to bird predation. Unhappy with the loss on their incomes from bird consumption of fish, some operators used bird nets or other methods that might harm the birds.

Considering this, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS) started to reach the fishpond operators and the Hong Kong New Territories Fish Culture Association (HKNTFCA) to discuss this issue in 2010-2011. HKBWS then launched the Fishpond Management Agreement Programme in Northwest New Territories in 2012 (renamed as “Hong Kong Got Fishpond – Eco-fishpond Management Agreement Scheme & Fishpond Conservation Scheme in Ramsar Site” since 2013). It is an on-going project that aims to concurrently enhance fishponds as important feeding habitats for waterbirds through adoption of bird-friendly habitat management, while strengthening the cultural traditions of local freshwater aquaculture and the livelihoods of fishermen.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

As the project lead, HKBWS acts as the primary liaison between external associations and the fishpond operators and HKNTFCA. HKBWS holds quarterly meetings with the fishpond operators to update the project progress.

HKNTFCA is the key party to facilitate communication with the local fishpond operators. It represents fishpond operators to participate in fishpond management and has been involved in the promotion of educational activities of the project.

The project is funded by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme (CCFS) of the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

Revitalisation Activities

The project conducted a wide range of rural revitalisation activities. Financial incentives were implemented to encourage fishpond operators to conduct duct profiling. By-products such as salted fish, fish floss, and honey were created and sold to promote local pond fish aquaculture. Regarding tourism, fishpond operators participated in eco-tours and workshops to demonstrate fishpond operations and share their daily life.

Regarding the environment, traditional drain-down practices were encouraged, providing supplementary feeding habitats for waterbirds. Active commercial fishponds and abandoned fishponds engaged in habitat management measures. Islands were built in fishponds to attract birds to build nests.

As for the social aspect, the relationship between fishpond operators and conservation groups improved significantly. Fishpond operators gained awareness of bird species and participated in education programs. Volunteers participated in education activities, and eco-tour guides received training.

A Duck Decoy Design Competition was held to promote innovative technology in conservation. Participants modified decoys and added practical functions, such as cameras for monitoring birds’ nests. An “Eco-salary” programme was introduced to encourage fishpond operators to report and protect bird nests.

Revitalisation Outcome

The project outcomes represent a significant advancement in achieving a harmonious balance between wetland conservation and rural community development objectives. A formal evaluation of the project revealed significant achievements in numerous areas. A total of 103 management agreements covering 316.87 hectares of fishponds were signed, with 87% of the engaged fishponds conducting drain-downs. The traditional drain-down practice successfully attracted waterbirds, increasing their abundance by 20-fold on average and diversifying the species from 1 to 9.

Guided tours and cultural exchanges enhanced social well-being. Fishpond operators received management fees and eco-salaries, while revenue was generated through educational activities. The project increased the ecological value of the area and promoted environmental well-being.