LegCo Panel Explores Hong Kong Observatory's Weather Monitoring and Meteorological Services

LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Hong Kong Observatory

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs visited the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) today (November 5) to understand the latest development of HKO’s work on monitoring and forecasting weather, as well as providing meteorological services.

Members first received a briefing on the operations of HKO from the Director of HKO, Dr Chan Pak-wai, and visited the Central Forecasting Office which is responsible for round-the-clock dissemination of weather information and various forecasts/warnings on inclement weather to the public. Members exchanged views with the Director of HKO and the Commissioner for Climate Change, Mr Wong Chuen-fai, on various matters including accuracy of weather forecasts, measures to cope with extreme weather conditions, as well as expansion of meteorological services and facilities.

Members then visited the Radiation Monitoring and Assessment Centre. The Centre monitors ambient radiation levels in Hong Kong, and organises training and exercises for other government departments on the contingency plan for nuclear emergencies. Members also went to the Earthquake Monitoring cum Tsunami Warning Centre and gained a better understanding of how the Centre collects and analyses real-time data from local and global seismological stations network, as well as warning messages issued by regional tsunami warning centres for dissemination of related information to the public.

Members also toured HKO's TV Studio to understand the procedures of and challenges encountered in TV weather programmes production and weather briefings under inclement weather conditions. During the visit to HKO’s History Room, Members observed various types of old observation instruments and records of typhoon hazard, advancement of meteorological technologies and the spirit of innovation of HKO's staff.

Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Mr Chan Siu-hung; Panel members Dr Lo Wai-kwok and Mr Robert Lee; as well as non-Panel members Mr Chan Chun-ying and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Hong Kong Observatory Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Hong Kong Observatory Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Hong Kong Observatory Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene visits modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene visited a modern mariculture demonstration farm established by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at the Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone today (November 5) to gain a deeper understanding on the latest development of the local mariculture industry.

Accompanied by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, Members received a briefing on the vessel by representatives of the AFCD on the steel truss cage farm design adopted at the demonstration farm. Members learnt that the design can withstand strong wind, waves and ocean currents, allowing the demonstration farm to operate in the open sea with better water exchange at a larger scale.

Upon arrival, Members observed the actual operation of the demonstration farm. They noted that the demonstration farm is equipped with modernised technologies, such as real-time surveillance and water quality monitoring systems, an automated feeding system, a solar and wind power generation system, enabling it to increase production capacity. During the visit, Members also exchanged views with government officials on enhancing the effectiveness of marine fish culture and promoting the sustainable development of the mariculture industry. Members noted that the AFCD will collaborate with the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium to launch an 18-month commercially operating aquaculture trial project to conduct trials with new aquaculture technologies and provide training for local fishermen at the demonstration farm.

A total of 11 members and non-members of the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene participated in the visit.

LegCo Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene visits modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene visits modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene visits modern mariculture demonstration farm at Tung Lung Chau fish culture zone Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases