A consortium of civil society organizations is calling on the government of Hong Kong to urgently fix what it terms are systemic failings in the city’s seafood import regulatory regime.
Representatives from ADM Capital Foundation, Bloom Association Hong Kong, WWF-Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition (HKSSC), The University of Hong Kong, and The City University of Hong Kong submitted a joint letter to Hong Kong Government asking it to act on recommendations in a report published by ADM Capital Foundation and titled Hong Kong’s Seafood Trade, Port Measures and Import Controls – Paddling to Keep Up.
That report found Hong Kong is far behind most other regional economies, including mainland China and Japan, in requiring traceability of seafood imports. The foot dragging by Hong Kong is of concern to conservationists given the city’s role as an entrepot, particularly for live reef fish species.
“Our call for action responds to the findings of research released over decades by different academics and NGOs, that continue to point to the same systemic issues which remain unresolved today," ADM Capital Foundation CEO Sophi le Clue said in a release.
The letter sent to Hong Kong’s government asks for the collection of more data, like species’ scientific name, as well as catch locations. It also suggests Hong Kong authorities develop digital traceability standards that align with Global Dialogue for Seafood Traceability (GDST). Likewise, it said Hong Kong should to adapt the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) code on monitoring seafood transshipment.
“To remain competitive, Hong Kong must align with international standards and best practices by strengthening import controls,” Benjamin So, the founder of seafood importer 178 Degrees, said. “While certain leading businesses in the industry have been promoting sustainable seafood for years, and expending resources to ensure their seafood is sourced responsibly and sustainably, the issue is ignored by many in the sector – and without government intervention and support, there is no level playing field or motivation for the industry to change.”
The ADM-funded report published in December found that Hong Kong’s seafood management regime remains unchanged since the 1940s. The city is not collecting data on vessels, flagging, or the catch area and fishing method related to fish sold in the city, and no health certifications are required for live or frozen seafood imports. By contrast mainland China has increased the traceability and reporting requirements for food imports.
Currently, the only traceability efforts being undertaken in Hong Kong are being spearheaded by businesses.
“Whilst some businesses are proactive and engaged, without sufficient traceability requirements, we continue to risk consuming seafood that may be harmful to our health, sourced through illegal fishing practices, or contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks,” WWF-Hong Kong Head of Oceans Conservation Lydia Pang said.
HKSSC Secretariat Mandy Wong said that its corporate members are committed to sustainability, but agreed that the government needs to step up.
“Without government policies and legislation to address unethical practices and encourage responsible procurement, there are limits to what we can achieve,” Wong said.
