Damaged coral reefs in Hong Kong may take years to recover, green groups warn
Government investigation finds area of about four square metres has been damaged after tourists packed Sharp Island in Sai Kung
Damaged coral reefs in a Unesco-listed geopark in Hong Kong may take years to recover, environmentalists have warned after a government investigation found that an area of about four square metres (43 sq ft) had been affected.
Thousands of tourists flocked to Sharp Island in Sai Kung during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” holiday earlier this month, with some trampling on corals while snorkelling and digging up marine organisms.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Friday it had urged mainland environmental bodies to promote messages on social media about avoiding disturbance to marine life.
“In the shallows near the Sharp Island geo-trails, an area of approximately four square metres was identified where the tops of some corals showed signs of damage,” a department spokesman said after the area was checked on Monday.
The overall condition of the Sharp Island coral area remained healthy, consistent with findings from surveys conducted by the department in August and September, he added.
WWF Hong Kong oceans conservation manager Kelvin So Jun-yin warned it could take years for damaged coral communities to recover.