HONG KONG – The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has reminded the public not to pursue a whale that has been seen in waters off Southern District of Hong Kong Island or risk breaking the law.

The call followed the discovery of a whale carcass off Shelter Island in Sai Kung on July 31. A seven-meter-long Bryde's was spotted by experts and residents in Sai Kung on July 13. Later it was found to have two wounds on its back, which was believed to have been struck by a ship propeller.

READ MORE: Whale carcass found off Shelter Island in Sai Kung

With the help of the Government Flying Service, a whale was sighted in the waters concerned on Monday evening, but it disappeared afterwards, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in a statement later in the night.

Members of the public should not go on boat trips to watch or pursue whales sighted in Hong Kong waters.

Spokesman, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

The department said it will step up patrol of the waters where the whale has been sighted with the help of Marine Police and the Marine Department. 

Government officers on spot will instruct vessels approaching the whale to leave and take enforcement action against those who refuse to cooperate to ensure that the whale is not disturbed by vessels.

The government has reminded people not to go on boat trips to watch or pursue whales sighted in Hong Kong waters.

“In case whales are spotted at sea, they should keep a distance of no less than 100 meters, slow down their vessels and leave as soon as possible. Otherwise, government officers may take enforcement action,” an AFCD spokesman said in a statement.

This combo picture shows screengrabs made from a video available online, showing a whale in Hong Kong waters on Sept 11, 2023.

Irresponsible whale watching may constitute an act of wilful disturbance of protected wild animals under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, the spokesman said, adding: “Offenders are liable to one year of imprisonment and a fine of HK$100,000.”

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The department said it will continue to patrol the waters in the vicinity with relevant departments and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to ascertain the location of the whale, its species, health condition, etc, and closely monitor the situation.

It is also consulting local and overseas experts on appropriate protection measures for the whale.