Fishermen demands compensation from Hong Kong Electric

About 2,800 fishermen are demanding HK$1.4 billion compensation from Hong Kong Electric (HKEC) for the loss of fish stock and fishing gear caused by the laying of a natural gas pipeline in the seabed (approx. HK$500,000 compensation for each registered fishing-boat). The underwater pipeline runs from Shenzhen Ping Chau to HKEC's Lamma Island power station.

The fishermen claimed that they were never told the rocks would reach above the seabed until last October. The fishermen also found the rocks to cover the pipeline was in parts as tall as 3 meters above the seabed.

Supporting the fishermen's claim, WWF Hong Kong said that the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted by HKEC in 1998 did not disclose in writing that there would be stony hillocks. Representative of WWF also agreed that the construction has affected the marine life temporarily.

In response, HKEC replied that the construction is not finish and it is too early to decide the matter. The company added they have already given the government an ex-gratia allowance as a guarantee in case something like this happens. However, according to the fisherman, the fund only composed of HK$240,000.

Source: Mimi Lau, 'Fisherman demand $1.4b compensation', The Standard 26 January 2006.