Hong Kong has many endangered or vunerable species that can be found in our waters.  This include species of sharks, croakers, groupers, turtles and seahorses.  Also there are many species that though not internationally protected are locally rare and deserve to be protected in Hong Kong waters.  This would include species such as the Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara)

There were two whale sharks killed in Hong Kong waters in June 2008, which was the catalyst for us to work towards getting them and other endangered species adequately protected under Hong Kong legislation.

Whale sharks themselves are protected internationally and are listed on appendix II of CITES and CMS.  They are a species that migrates thousands of miles and are slow to mature and breed. They are extremely vunerable to exploitation.  That two of these beautiful animals were killed in Hong Kong is a crime and must not happen again.

Whale sharks are also a major money earner for a number of countries.  The Philippines estimated US$623,000 is brought in the local economy at a single site.  Australia earns at least US$7.8M from its short two month long whale shark season at the Ningaloo reef, Western Australia.

 

Why not in Hong Kong?  It is possible that we can have encounters with live whale sharks here as well.

What can we do to ensure experiences like this can one day be a reality in Hong Kong.