Angling zones

Hong Kong's waters have high sports and recreational value. As the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme has produced positive results, we should step up our efforts in promoting water-friendly activities. After its resumption a few years ago, the cross-harbour swimming event draws enthusiastic participation each year and has begun to gain a reputation in the international arena.

Angling is one of the activities that Hong Kong people love, and everyone can take part in the sport with a budget that suits them. If you have time and money, you can buy an expensive fishing rod and hire a boat to go angling at sea. Otherwise, you can spend a few relaxing hours on the seashore with just a reel of fishing line. Angling is also a good family activity. While fishing, you and your family can have a quiet and joyful time together sitting side by side and chatting with each other.

Last year, I invited three members of an angling association to Government House and asked them about the idea of setting up angling zones. Then I proposed in my Policy Address two months ago the establishment of such zones. At a banquet that I hosted for the Chairmen of the 18 current-term District Councils after their formation, I also asked the Chairmen to consider possible locations of angling zones in their districts, in consultation with their fellow District Council members.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will establish angling zones in three locations in the territory next year at the earliest. These locations are the Central Section of the Central Promenade, Tsing Yi and the Pak Shek Kok Promenade in Tai Po. The Government will provide shade structures and seats in these zones with ancillary facilities, such as angling access.

A member of the angling association told me that it would be a pleasant surprise to be able to go fishing in Central. Actually, it has been my hope that we can make better use of a more leisurely waterfront area in Central, a world-renowned central business district. For people working in Central, it will be a good way to relax if they can, after a simple lunch, make use of the remaining 45 minutes of lunch time to fish along the shore. They can even enjoy a 20-minute swim, a good alternative to gym workouts, after lunch if a modernised swimming shed can be built near the International Finance Centre in future.

I only went angling three times last year. In my leisure time, I can only watch local anglers' videos online with admiration. I look forward to enjoying our beautiful harbour with you all in a new way when the angling zones are established.

March 8, 2016