The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today reported to an expert group on the findings of an investigation into the cause of death of the Bryde's whale that appeared in Hong Kong waters in July last year.

The meeting of the Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals heard that the whale was struck by a fast-moving vessel some time between the morning of July 30 and the morning of July 31 last year. Its back and spine were thus injured, causing instant death.

The type of the vessel concerned could not be determined. However, no whale-watching activity was detected during the four days prior to the whale’s death.

It was noted that fishing vessels generally do not travel at such high speeds, and that neither fishing sampans nor speedboats equipped with outboard engines could cause such large wounds. It was deduced, therefore, that the wounds were most likely caused by another type of vessels.

These comments were made following comprehensive consideration of a report by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation. The foundation was commissioned by the AFCD last year to investigate the cause of death of the Bryde's whale, and its report included the opinions of two experts from Australia and Spain.

Following the incident, the department has strengthened its work in various aspects, including formulating a response plan based on different scenarios in which non-resident cetaceans appear in Hong Kong waters.

Regarding legislative review, the Government preliminarily indicated that the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation should be given more powers to deal with exceptional circumstances.

These include the power to designate temporary restriction areas more quickly, where necessary, through simplified procedures, and to impose restrictions on vessel navigation and relevant activities within such areas.

The Government also proposed that whale-watching activities should be prohibited to avoid causing stress to whales and endangering their health and safety.

It expects to consult the expert group on specific proposals that would require legislative amendments within this year.

Meanwhile, the AFCD sent staff to the Mainland and overseas to learn about measures in place elsewhere for protecting marine mammals and consider how these might be added to the response plan.

The AFCD has also taken steps to raise public awareness and knowledge of wildlife conservation.

Documents relating to the expert group meeting are available online for public inspection.