The Way Forward for Hong Kong to Combat Vessel Source Emissions in the Pearl River Delta Region

Air pollution has long been of great concern in both Hong Kong and the wider Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, where shipping pollution is a major contributor to poor air quality. This article addresses, first, the current global regulatory framework covering the main sources of vessel source pollution; second, the implementation and enforcement of the rules in Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL); and third, the legal and policy measures for combating vessel source emissions in Hong Kong. In conclusion, the article offers suggestions on the way forward for Hong Kong to combat such vessel source emissions in the PRD region.     

Straits used for international navigation

Abstract

This article summarizes our perspective of U.S. and Soviet interactions during a joint physical oceanography experiment. One author (RHH) was involved in early instrumentation and logistic work with the Soviets beginning in 1970, and was U.S. executive manager for the program from 1976–84. One author (CAC) was the National Science Foundation program manager responsible for administering the program. The experiment began with a preliminary meeting of Soviet and American oceanographers in 1973 and activities concluded with the publication of an atlas (see n. 9) in 1986. The intervening years included a variety of joint scientific activities which spanned a broad spectrum from theory and numerical modeling to at‐sea experiments. The total cost of U.S. activities as part of this program was about $25 million.     

China's 2012 Regime for Compensation for Vessel Source Oil Pollution: A Comparative Study

The International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund is a successful international scheme providing supplementary compensation for vessel source oil pollution damage. Some domestic schemes such as the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund in Canada and the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund in the United States have also been successful. China established its Vessel-Source Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in July 2012. This article examines the international and domestic schemes that provide supplementary compensation for vessel source oil pollution and makes some suggestions for amendment of the newly established Chinese national compensation fund.     

承载力评估在区域人口配置中的应用：以常州为例

从城市生态系统承载力的空间差异性出发,集成GIS空间评价技术和系统动力学（SD）模型,确定城市区域适度总人口规模和各分区人口数量,提出人口分区定量配置新思路和技术集成方法,并将该方法应用于300万人口城市--常州.结果表明： 通过构建常州市区人口、经济、土地与环境的系统动力学模型和多情景模拟分析,在同时满足城市经济发展与环境保护需求下,常州市区远景（2050年）总人口约400万;基于城市承载力空间差异评价进行常州市区总人口的空间配置,将形成240万人的主城及5个15～40万人新城的空间格局,研究结果可为国土开发管理中人口与经济的空间分配提供科学依据.     

Universalizing the Law of the Sea in the South China Sea Dispute

This article argues that a resolution of the maritime disputes in the South China Sea must be based upon a universalist framework where the maritime interests of the world are upheld. The article discusses the universalist framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the universalist approach taken by the Tribunal on 12 July 2016 in the South China Sea Arbitration regarding the extinguishment of a state's “exceptionalist” maritime claims and the adoption of strict criteria for the characterization of features at sea.     

A Comparison of Ship-Recycling Legislation Between Chinese Law and the 2009 Hong Kong Convention

This article discusses the Chinese legal framework in relation to ship recycling and suggests that the various legislation, standards, and opinions provide disorderly and nosystematic regulation. A uniform law specifically regulating the ship-recycling industry should be adopted by China, with a single competent authority empowered to supervise ship-recycling activities, that will effectively implement the 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.     

Can the United States Establish the Outer Limits of Its Extended Continental Shelf Under International Law?

Although most provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea are regarded customary international law and the United States views most of its provisions as such, the outsider status of the United States causes problems in some areas, especially concerning the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. This article asks whether it is possible for the United States to establish the outer limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in line with international law without becoming a state party to the convention, and if that is possible, how could the United States proceed?     

An Assessment of Toxic Substances Pollution in the Hong Kong Marine Environment

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) commissioned a consultancy study in 1999 to better understand the potential sources, fates, and existing pollution state of toxic substances in Hong Kong's marine environment. A desk-top survey and assessment was first performed on a comprehensive initial list of 556 toxic substances. A Preliminary Priority Toxic Substances List (PPTSL) of 135 chemicals was established, consisting of heavy metals, inorganic compounds, organo-metallic compounds, and trace organics. A territory-wide baseline field sampling and laboratory analysis exercise was then undertaken during 2001–2002 to determine the level of these PPTSL chemicals in the potential pollution sources (effluent discharges, stormwater discharges, air deposition) and the receiving marine environment (water, sediment, biota). A draft Priority Toxic Substances List (PTSL) was developed, taking into account chemicals detected in the local marine environment and those listed under the Stockholm Convention, the Rotterdam Convention, and the International Maritime Organization's Harmful Antifouling System Convention. The draft PTSL chemicals were subject to ecological and incremental human health risk assessments. Based on the risk assessment results, 17 Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) for Hong Kong's marine environment were identified, most of which were heavy metals in the sediment. The study findings suggest that Hong Kong's marine environment is not widely polluted with chemicals present at concentrations of toxicological concern. Although a number of potentially problematic pollutants (COPC) were identified, they are confined to a few “hot spots” and are unlikely to pose a territory-wide risk. Based on the study recommendations, the EPD initiated in 2004 a toxic substances monitoring program to keep the COPC in the marine environment under close surveillance.     

Declarations and Statements with Respect to the 1982 UNCLOS: Potential Legal Disputes between the United States and China after U.S. Accession to the Convention

This article discusses the implications of U.S. accession to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for the future development of Sino-American relations in the areas of ocean law and politics. The declarations and understandings contained in the Senate Resolution of Advice and Consent to U.S. Accession to the UNCLOS are examined in detail in the context of previous maritime conflicts between the United States and China.     

The Impact of the Law of the Sea Convention on Conflict and Conflict Management in the South China Sea

This article examines the impact of the UN Law of the Sea Convention on conflict behavior and management in the South China Sea during four periods: during its negotiation (1973–1982); from its signing to the entry into force (1982–1994); from then until the China-ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (1995–2002); and from the setting of a timeline for outer limits of continental shelf submissions to the events following the 2009 submissions (2003–2013). Ambiguous effects were found. On the one hand, the Convention has generated or exacerbated conflict by raising the stakes, failing to resolve key legal issues, and encouraging overlapping zone claims. On the other hand, it has provided obligations, language, and techniques for conflict management and resolution. The conflict-enhancing impact was found to have been more substantial than the peace-promoting effects. Nevertheless, the balance has shifted toward more emphasis on conflict management and also some utilization of the Convention's peacemaking potential. If this long-term trend continues and the Convention is more rigorously respected and applied, the Convention may in the end be found to have contributed to regional peace.     

The U.S.-Led Proliferation Security Initiative and UNCLOS: Legality,Implementation, and an Assessment

This article examines the relationship between the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It attempts to answer the questions of whether the PSI is legal or illegal under UNCLOS and whether U.S. accession to UNCLOS would enhance or create difficulties for the implementation of the PSI. The author concludes that U.S. accession to the Convention would not affect adversely the implementation and effectiveness of the PSI. On the contrary, accession to UNCLOS could help increase U.S. credibility and leadership in dealing with the threat to international peace and security posed by weapons of mass destruction proliferation. It also suggests that all the relevant information needs to be gathered and examined carefully in order to answer the question of whether a PSI interdiction action is legal under UNCLOS or not.     

Then and Now: Reappraising Freedom of the Seas in Modern Law of the Sea

The principle of freedom of the seas remains the governing paradigm of the high seas in modern law of the sea. Although the principle, as embraced by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC), is no longer an absolute norm, it continues to present fundamental challenges for achieving effective conservation on the high seas as it stands in direct contrast to the conservation duty imposed on states by LOSC. The recent UN General Assembly resolution calling for the adoption of a further Implementing Agreement under LOSC to address conservation on the high seas, highlights the need to build a new ethos for management of the high seas, which will require states to loosen their firm grip on the Grotian doctrine. This article seeks to contribute toward shifting attitudes in relation to the principle of freedom through an examination of the nature and scope of the principle in its historic context and in contemporary law of the sea.     

Stable isotopes of Lithosiini and lichens in Hong Kong show the biodindicator potential of lichenivorous moths

Urban landscapes provide unique environments for a wide variety of plants and animals, but their suitability may be limited by anthropogenic impacts such as pollution. We examined the potential utility of lichen and lichen-feeding moths as biodindicators of air pollution in Hong Kong by comparing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope values in lichens, lichenivorous and non-lichenivorous moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and a moth outgroup (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Our results show that stable isotope values for C and N were similar for lichens and lichen feeding moths, while non-lichen feeding moths formed a distinct group. In addition, we found consistent δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values across moth body parts, indicating that any portion of the specimen is suitable for isotopic fingerprinting. Our results highlight that lichen feeding moths may be useful for integrating signals of atmospheric nitrogen pollution and could therefore have utility in monitoring and quantifying air quality over time and space.     

Today's Customary International Law of the Sea

International courts and tribunals, governments, and scholars over the past half-century (many in the past two decades) have identified various provisions of the 1958 and 1982 treaties on the law of the sea that are customary international law and thus binding on all states, including those not party to these treaties. This article systematically collects these opinions and identifies provisions that have not yet attracted their attention.     

The Legal Status and Operation of Unmanned Maritime Vehicles

The number of unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) and their potential applications in the marine space are growing constantly. Because of their comparatively small size and limited operations, only modest attention has been paid to how they fit into the international legal framework. Many UMVs may not be considered to fall under the definition of "ship" so as to enjoy states' rights of navigation under UNCLOS. Therefore states, manufacturers, and investors remain uncertain about the rights and obligations regarding UMV operations in the various maritime zones. This article addresses these questions for a range of UMVs with differing levels of autonomy. It argues that the international legal framework delegates the question of whether a UMV is a ship or not to the flag state's national laws. The article suggests that such a determination will be binding on other states. With respect to UMVs that do not fall under the definition of ship, there is remaining uncertainty about whether any navigational rights in the jurisdictional zones of other states are available, while it is argued that such rights do exist in the areas beyond national jurisdiction. The article also considers the extent to which today's UMVs can comply with the international framework for ensuring safety at sea. For those UMVs falling under the definition of ship, compliance with the current regulatory framework for shipping is required and compliance will be more difficult as the level of UMV autonomy increases.     

Prevention of Vessel-Source Marine Pollution: A Note on the Challenges and Prospects for Chinese Practice Under International Law

This article examines China's domestic legal regime for the prevention of vessel source pollution. It pays special attention to the recently adopted Regulation on Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Vessels. Potential challenges and emerging issues that China has to confront are addressed, including: application of the legislation to disputed sea areas between China and its neighbors, freedom of navigation in the exclusive economic zone, reduction of emission from ships, and prevention of invasive species from ballast water.     

香港鸭嘴草＋野古草＋金茅群落的生物量和第一性生产力

香港鸭嘴草＋野古草＋金茅群落的生物量和第一性生产力管东生（中山大学环境科学系,广州５１０２７５）ＰｈｙｔｏｍａｓａｎｄＮｅｔＰｒｉｍａｒｙＰｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｖｉｔｙｏｆｔｈｅＧｒａｓｌａｎｄｉｎＨｏｎｇＫｏｎｇ．ＧｕａｎＤｏｎｇｓｈｅｎｇ（Ｄｅｐａｒ...     

A population-based study of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese children resident in Hong Kong: prevalence and potential risk factors

Background: Data of Helicobacter pylori prevalence in children and its risk factors provide clues to the health authority to estimate burden of H. pylori‐associated diseases usually encountered in adulthood and facilitate healthcare planning. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional population‐based study was conducted in Chinese children in elementary and high schools. Schools were selected from all three major areas of Hong Kong. H. pylori infection was defined by a positive ¹³C‐urea breath test. Study subjects were stratified into six age groups for estimation of prevalence. Potential risk factors were analyzed from data of self‐administered questionnaires. Results: A total of 2480 children (aged 6–19, male: 47.3%) participated in the study. Overall, 324 (13.1%) were positive for H. pylori. There was no difference in prevalence between sexes, and no statistical trend in the prevalence across the six age groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified lack of formal education of mother (OR = 2.43, 95%CI 1.36–4.34), family history of gastric cancer (OR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.09–4.41), and household member > 5 (OR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.12–2.19) to be positively associated with H. pylori infection in our children. Conclusions: The H. pylori prevalence of Hong Kong children is comparable to the data of developed countries. The association with family history of gastric cancer justifies further study to investigate the cost‐benefit of community screening program for such children to decrease the incidence of gastric cancer in adulthood.     

The case in international law for Canada's extension of fisheries jurisdiction beyond 200 miles

In March 1995, Canadian fisheries authorities boarded and arrested the Spanish fishing vessel, Estai, outside the Canadian 200‐mile zone on the Grand Banks, an event that served to focus world attention on a dispute that had its origins in the failure of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to implement an effective conservation and management regime for fish stocks on the high seas, particularly with respect to fish stocks that straddle coastal states’ exclusive economic zones. This article examines the origins of the dispute, including the allegations relating to overfishing of North Atlantic Fisheries Organization‐recommended quotas, the background to the vessel's arrest, and the subsequent confrontation that occurred, both at diplomatic levels and on the high seas, between Canada and the European Union. An analysis is made of the case in international law for Canada's extension of jurisdiction beyond 200 miles pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. Finally, the article examines the implications of the recently concluded Agreement on the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks for disputes of the kind that arose in the present case.     

香港草地、芒萁、灌木群落的C素动态

通过对香港草地、芒萁、灌木群落植物生物量和净生产量的研究,探讨这些植物群落的C素动态。结果表明草地、芒萁、灌木群落植物的C贮量分别为377,871和1448g/m