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Ships to navigate with caution in Hong Kong as dolphin survey is conducted

THE Hong Kong Marine Department says acoustic monitors are to be temporarily established near the seabed at Lung Kwu Tan, Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan to allow for a survey to be carried out to collect data on dolphins.

The department warned vessels navigating in the areas to look out for the pyramid-shaped structures measuring 0.5 metres high with a square base of one metre by one metre. "Vessels should proceed with caution and keep clear at slow speed, bearing in mind that there are divers working in the area."

The department said regular diving operations for retrieving data from and inspecting the acoustic monitors will be carried out by a work boat in the above locations once every two months. The hours of work will be from 0900 to 1730 hours, but no work will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays.

The department said the survey will be carried out at the following locations (WGS 84 Datum): 22 deg. 23.824'N / 113 deg. 54.644'E; 22 deg. 23.408'N / 113 deg. 54.459'E; 22 deg. 23.093'N / 113 deg. 54.919'E; 22 deg. 20.318'N / 114 deg. 02.100'E; 22 deg. 18.885'N / 113 deg. 59.324'E; 22 deg. 18.852'N / 113 deg. 58.921'E; and 22 deg. 18.575'N / 113 deg. 58.660'E

At the same time, the department said a public pier is to be constructed at Trio Beach in Sai kung. For three months, marine works involving construction of the public pier will be carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum): 22.25 21.439'N / 114.25 16.151'E; 22.25 21.420'N / 114.25 16.151'E; 22.25 21.420'N / 114.25 16.107'E; and 22.25 21.443'N / 114.25 16.121'E.

The works will be conducted by a derrick barge with a tug providing assistance. The number of vessels engaged in the works will change from time to time to suit operational requirements. A working area of 30 metres around the derrick barge will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the barge.

Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of work. The hours of work will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. Vessels engaged in the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.

In both cases, the vessels engaged in the works will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations, the department said.