Fishpond Management Agreement Scheme in Mai Po, Tai Sang Wai, and Lut Chau
Fishponds are vital foraging and roosting sites for waterbirds. Deep Bay area in Northwest New Territories has been gradually developing into commercially operated fishponds since the 1920s. Fishponds exemplify a unique scene of "harmony between humans and nature".
About 1 ,500 ha of wetland in the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay region, including Tai Shang Wai and Lut Chau, was officially designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention 1995, recognizing their significant ecological value.
The project Fishpond Management Agreement Scheme in Mai Po, Tai Shang Wai and Lut Chau* integrates proactive fishpond habitat management, scientific monitoring and research, and public participation, in partnership with fishpond operators from Mai Po, Tai Sang Wai, and Lut Chau in the Deep Bay Area, to conserve local fishpond ecology and culture and promote local fisheries.
Objectives:
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Partnering with fishpond operators, implement habitat management measures to create feeding and roosting grounds for waterbirds and enhance ecological value of fishponds.
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Conduct ecological surveys to monitor the ecological condition of fishponds to provide information on waterbird populations and their habitats for sustainable habitat management.
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Partner with fishpond operators to promote local fishpond culture and ecological value to the public.
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Enhance public awareness and participation in wetland conservation.
*The project is organized by Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association (HKWCA), and funded by Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme and Countryside Conservation Office, with a project duration of two years (Mar 2025 to Feb 2027).
Habitat Management Measures
Pond Drain-down
Fishpond operators drain down the fishpond during harvesting and maintain it for a period of time. The extensive shallow water and/or exposed soil provide suitable habitats for waterbirds to forage, thus enhancing the ecological value of the fishponds.
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Pond Profiling
Profiling of fishponds creates suitable foraging habitats for waterbirds and enhance the health and quality of the ponds which would in terms benefit in attracting waterbirds to utilize the ponds.
During profiling, the pond will be sun-dried which helps to remove harmful organisms in the pond; the sediment from the pond bottom will be moved to restore the pond bund to an appropriate slope.
Nest and Waterbird Protection
Fishpond operators are engaged to actively search for and protect the waterbird nests, eggs and chicks by providing safe breeding grounds for waterbirds.
When bird nests are found, operators will avoid disturbance and interference, e.g. grass cutting, pond leveling, in order to protect the breeding birds.
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