Fishing at park sparks controversy

Writer: Chen Siqi  |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2022-11-25

Fishing at Shenzhen Bay Park has sparked controversy. Fishing enthusiasts think that angling is a leisurely sport similar to walking. However, some citizens have raised their concerns on fishing’s potential safety hazards and environmental impact, Nanfang Plus reported.

Waters off the coast of Haifeng Sports Park at Shenzhen Bay Park is a wonderland for fish to find food because salt and fresh water meet there, cultivating microorganism they feed on, making the area a popular fishing site.

A resident surnamed Huang, who comes to fish regularly, said that as long as he has free time during the weekend, he will drop by to fish at Shenzhen Bay Park. With luck, he would catch about seven to eight black bullheads at a time.

Most of the citizens who go fishing at the park would carry a rod, a folding bucket and a pack of bait, and they would return with their catch as trophies.

A staffer from Shenzhen Bay Park management center told Nanfang Plus that even though the park has posted warning signs and staffers would warn citizens against angling at the park, barely anyone heed their warnings.

Over the past few years, Shenzhen has kept improving the city’s water quality and protecting its fishery resources. Tens of thousands of migratory birds spend winter at Shenzhen Bay every year.

However, bait and trash generated from fishing have polluted the water and the park, threatening the balance of nature.

Furthermore, fishing rods pose safety hazards to other visitors. In particular, the hook may injure others when someone casts their line.

Fishing enthusiasts are also concerned about safety issues and call on the government to designate an area for fishing.

Shenzhen Park Service has collected opinions from citizens, aiming to consider measures based on different appeals, according to the city’s park management center.