The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today urged the public not to go on boat trips to watch and track whales that appear in waters off Sai Kung.

The advice came after the recent sighting of a suspected Bryde’s whale in the vicinity of High Island and Port Shelter.

Departmental staff have stepped up patrols of the waters where the whale has appeared and at places including Sai Kung Public Pier to urge people not to go on such boat trips.

Citizens should keep a distance, slow down their vessels and mind their personal safety to avoid accidents, the department stressed.

Since receiving reports of a whale sighting in Sai Kung waters in mid-July, the department and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation have been sending staff to inspect the area, stepping up patrols with departments concerned and distributing promotional leaflets to the public.

Citizens are reminded that irresponsible whale watching may constitute an act of wilful disturbance of protected wild animals under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. Offenders are liable to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.