Extend restricted zone at Lamma turtle beach to keep out junk parties, urge green groups

It's a sunny September day and half a dozen junks and pleasure boats are anchored in a scenic inlet on southern Lamma Island.

House music is booming and banana boat-tugging speedboats zip across the bay, while those with the energy make the 50-metre swim to shore - unknowingly committing an illegal act by frolicking on the sandy shores of Sham Wan beach.

The beach is one of the few regular nesting sites for endangered green sea turtles in southern China and is a restricted area during the breeding season between June and October. It was designated a site of special scientific interest in 1999.

Illegal entry is liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000, but that's only if nature wardens are able to stop such violations.

Scientists and green groups want the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to ramp up protection efforts by expanding the 0.5-hectare restricted zone to the entire bay to keep out junk parties.

A study by the Eco-Education and Resources Centre between 2013 and 2015 recorded anywhere between 12 and 17 boats anchored in the bay at weekends. Average noise levels went as high as 80 decibels, similar to a police siren, in some parts of the bay.

Green turtles are known for their migratory behaviour and loyalty to feeding sites and nesting grounds. Tracking efforts show they usually swim to Wanshan Archipelago, Fujian waters, the Pratas Islands, the Spratly Islands and the Philippines after visiting Hong Kong.