Hong Kong proposes new law to protect whales after 2023 fatal collision
Hong Kong's government has introduced a bill to protect whales and dolphins following a 2023 incident where a whale was killed by a fast-moving vessel. The bill would allow authorities to create temporary restricted zones and give legal status to the Dolphin Watching Code of Conduct.
The Hong Kong government has introduced the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Legislative Council, aimed at strengthening protections for cetaceans following the death of a non-resident whale in Hong Kong waters in July 2023. The whale was killed after being hit by a fast-moving vessel, drawing public attention to the need for enhanced safeguards.
Speaking during the bill's second reading on 11 November 2026, the Acting Secretary for the Environment and Ecology said the 2023 incident highlighted the necessity of protecting whales, which often attract crowds and boats that can disturb or hinder rescue efforts. The bill proposes amendments to the existing Wildlife Protection Ordinance (Chapter 170) to authorise the Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to take measures to protect both cetaceans and maritime users.
Under the proposed legislation, the AFCD Director, after consulting the Director of Maritime Services, could designate certain Hong Kong waters as "temporary marine restricted areas." These zones would impose restrictions or prohibitions on persons, vessels and activities to prevent the public from chasing, disturbing or approaching cetaceans. Notices designating such areas and specifying measures would be published on the AFCD's website and take immediate effect.
The AFCD would work with the Marine Department and the Water Police to patrol and enforce the restricted areas. Failure to comply with the restrictions or instructions from authorised officers would be an offence, punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to HK$50,000 (level five on the standard scale).
The bill also proposes granting legal status to the existing Dolphin Watching Code of Conduct to better protect locally resident dolphins. If passed, evidence that a person deliberately disturbed dolphins, or that they violated the code, could be used in court to support charges under Section 4 of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance, which prohibits intentional interference with protected wild animals.
The government consulted the Legislative Council's Panel on Environmental Affairs and relevant stakeholders in July 2026, receiving broad support for the proposed amendments. The Acting Secretary thanked members for their input and urged swift passage of the bill.