Hong Kong has banned trawling to save fish stocks (AFP)

HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong has banned trawl fishing in its waters, a decision welcomed by conservationists Friday as move a crucial save fish stocks and revive impoverished marine environment of the city.

The measure, which should enter into force in late 2012, comes after a long campaign by environmental groups who say that the method is extremely damaging to the fish stocks and of the seabed.

Body to legislate the territory approved the ban on Wednesday and proposed a plan of 1.7 billion HK (219 million dollars) to provide payments to some 400 owners affected trawler and sailors.

"(L'interdiction) can strengthen the sustainable development of the fishing industry and to maintain a good ocean environment," Hong Kong health Chief York Chow said in the Legislative Council, according to a statement.

A spokesman for the food and the Office of health, which oversees the activities of trawl fishing, told AFP Friday that payments offered to the owners of the trawler and seamen shall be approved by the legislative body.

Conservation group WWF, which has been lobbying for a ban on trawling since 2005, welcomed the decision as a success for the efforts of conservation of the ocean, after a spectacular catch volume since the 1970s.

"We welcome and support this ban, as the trawl is a very destructive practice," WWF Hong Kong spokesperson Samantha Lee told AFP, adding that trawling represents more than 40% of the capture of the local fisheries.

"This would help the valuable fish stocks to recover." "It is an important first step, but I hope the Government can tackle illegal trawling," said.

Lee, said that the local fish population could increase by 20 to 30 per cent five years after the implementation of the ban.

Trawling is a method of fishing that involves nets drawn through the water behind one or more vessels, collection of fish, but also damage the ocean floor and catch other undesirable species.

Outside to save fish stocks, protective of the environment have also said a trawling ban will give soft corals, sponges and other creatures living on the bottom a possibility to recover.

WWF said that the country as the Australia, Brazil, Canada and Malaysia have established trawl fishing zones in coastal waters to protect marine resources, whereas the Indonesia prohibits trawling throughout the country.

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