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 had been affected.
Advertisement
Thousands of tourists were found to have flocked to Sharp Island in Sai Kung during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” holiday this month, with some trampling on corals while snorkelling and digging up marine organisms.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Friday that 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. It surveyed the area 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.
Advertisement
WWF Hong Kong oceans conservation manager Kelvin So Jun-yin warned that it could take years for damaged coral reefs to recover.