Shenzhen, Hong Kong should build a ‘blue granary’ in Mirs Bay

The coordinated food security arrangement holds significant importance for the nation and its people. Following joint research on the Water Quality Regional Control Strategy for the Mirs Bay Area, conducted by Shenzhen and Hong Kong in 2003, both parties have consistently evaluated this collaboration, assessed the efficiency of different control strategies, and devised essential supplementary measures to make further progress in water pollution control and safeguard Mirs Bay.

In 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance, allocated four new fish culture zones, including Mirs Bay, for mainly intensive operation. Additionally, in the same year, the Shenzhen Marine Development Plan (2023-35) was released, proposing to coordinate the protection and utilization of marine natural resources in the Mirs Bay sea area and islands, and establishing a mechanism for comanagement of ecological and environmental protection, island development and sea area utilization in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

In the context of the country’s strategy to develop a strong maritime nation, a State-level marine ranch has been established in Mirs Bay, Shenzhen, to promote the restructuring and upgrading of the traditional fishing industry and the development of a sustainable ecological fishery industry. As Shenzhen and Hong Kong are connected by the sea, and both are promoting modern aquaculture in Mirs Bay, it is imperative for them to collaborate to devise a comprehensive plan for the preservation, scientific research and development of all of the bay, to unlock its development potential.

There is room for enhancing collaboration on the development of Mirs Bay between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. For instance, there needs to be more comprehensive planning for expediting the coordinated development of Mirs Bay between the two cities. Moreover, regarding data flow, the unrestricted cross-boundary exchange of marine scientific research data and materials should be realized to collectively advance Mirs Bay’s development into a modern marine industry. Additionally, the two sides’ strengths have yet to be fully leveraged to drive the development of Mirs Bay.

In light of the aforementioned issues, to better leverage the advantages of the two sides for expediting the rehabilitation and development of Mirs Bay and to achieve mutual development and prosperity through cooperative efforts in conservation and development, I make the following suggestions.

The two cities should enhance collaboration based on the Water Quality Regional Control Strategy for the Mirs Bay Area to balance conservation and development. The two sides should not only collaborate to safeguard the ecosystem of Mirs Bay but also work together to harness the potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in line with the national “ocean power” strategy.

To foster the coordinated development of Mirs Bay, it is recommended that a cooperation framework be established, a joint task force be formed to develop the bay, the scale of sea-based aquaculture be scientifically determined, planning convergence be strengthened, and the strengths of both sides utilized to effectively regulate the environment and restore habitats, thus avoiding redundant construction and competition, and ultimately achieving mutually beneficial cooperation.

Furthermore, for the development of modern marine industries in Mirs Bay, it is essential to utilize support measures to facilitate scientific research effectively. Thus, in formulating a cooperation framework between the two sides for the development of Mirs Bay, it is crucial to leverage the excellent cross-boundary cooperation mechanisms of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

This includes utilizing the “white list” system and the dedicated international data corridors. Priority should be given to introducing marine scientific research institutes and related industrial chains in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. This will enable the free cross-boundary flow of marine scientific research data and materials, leading to cost savings and enhanced progress in research and commercialization.

It is essential to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages in order to establish a “blue granary” for Guangdong and Hong Kong. The authorities have not only continued to support the transformation of Hong Kong’s fishing industry into a sustainable or high value-added mode of operation, providing a solid foundation for modernized fisheries but also designated land in the Northern Metropolis for the development of fisheries and an international university city. This will attract renowned European marine universities to establish branches in Hong Kong, paving the way for more remarkable contributions to the construction of the Mirs Bay “blue granary” .

In addition, Shenzhen Dapeng New District is promoting the construction of the Shenzhen Ocean University and the National Deep Sea Science and Research Center. It is suggested that Shenzhen and Hong Kong deepen cooperation, exchange modern and high-yield aquaculture technologies, and strive for the expansion of ecologically critical species and resource restoration to enhance the biological species and resource volume in Mirs Bay, contributing to the development of the blue granary of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.