AFCD confirm that around four sqm of corals were damaged by the tourist invasion of Sharp Island, Sai Kung

_{Screenshot from Cable News}

The Deputy Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Patrick Lai Cheun-chi, announced the results of an investigation into the damage caused by snorkellers during the National Day Golden Week on a cable news programme yesterday (9/10). He confirmed that about four sq.m. of cross coral near the shore of Sharp Island, Sai Kung was recently damaged.

Lai showed photos of damaged coral, revealing white spots and visible chips on the coral’s surface. He said the investigation was completed on 6 October, and while he couldn’t confirm whether the damage occurred on National Day, 1 October, he could confirm it was recent.

_{The Deputy Director of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department}

Authorities believe the damage was primarily caused by snorkellers accidentally stepping on coral when they fell into the water in the shallows. Lai explained that due to the distance between the beach and the coral area, they initially thought the coral area would not be significantly affected. However, on-site investigations revealed that some nearshore corals were indeed damaged.

Greenpeace recently reported that over 4,000 people visited the island on the first day of the National Day holiday, setting an unprecedented record. In addition to trampling on coral, some tourists also dug up coastal life and discarded trash. Lai stated that the number of visitors to the island has recently dropped to between 500 and 600.

^{Sharp Island Photo: AFCD}

As BUZZ also reported, The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) recently announced that it has partnered with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the police, and other departments to increase patrols in the waters around Sai Kung.