Expert criticises beach closures

SCMP, May 8, 2001: A shark expert yesterday accused government officials of over-reacting by closing nine beaches after the sighting of two sharks on Sunday.

The criticism came as the beaches affected by the alert were re-opened yesterday after a 24-hour search failed to find further sign of the sharks.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced at 9.45am that the shark flag at nine beaches in southern Hong Kong island had been lowered.

They said a search of waters near the beaches yielded no trace of the sharks.

Some swimmers still ignored the warning and went into the water before the shark alert was cancelled.

On Sunday morning, a woman in a boat off Deep Water Bay told police she saw two sharks up to 1.5 metres long.

The sighting led to the closure of nine beaches, including the popular Repulse Bay, and left thousands of swimmers disappointed.

Charles Frew, director of Asiatic Marine, which organises shark diving and runs an education campaign to conserve sharks, said the department over-reacted by ordering the closures in response to a single sighting.

'The shark net would have kept the fish out in any case. The Government was jumping to conclusions too quickly in this case,' he said.

'The beach should be closed immediately if you find a shark inside the net. Otherwise, there is no point closing them as the risk of a shark attack is minimal,' he said.

Mr Frew said some sharks lived in shallow coastal waters and usually emerged when looking for fish to eat. 'In South Africa, where great white sharks are found, they are seen looking for food and people just let them get on with it without causing a fuss.'

He said Hong Kong people generally lacked education and understanding on sharks and therefore had a tendency to panic if shark sightings were reported.

A spokeswoman for the department last night denied it over-reacted.

'In accordance with established procedures, we had to close all nine beaches, which are within the same zone,' she said.

However, she said the department would review existing arrangements and procedures with other government departments.

At least four people have died in shark attacks since the early 1990s in Hong Kong. Most of the attacks took place in Sai Kung in the eastern side of the territory. Since 1993, shark nets have been installed on 32 beaches.

Glossary

expert (n) a person who has extensive skills or knowledge in a particular field

criticism (n) unfavourable judgment or comments

yield (v) to produce (a result)

popular (adj) widely liked or admired

conserve (v) to protect from harm, decay or loss

tendency (n) an inclination to act in a particular way

Discussion points

Do you think that it was an over-reaction to close the beach?

Do Hong Kong people lack awareness about sharks and therefore likely to panic if there is a sighting?