The Environment and Ecology Bureau said on Sunday that the government has deployed personnel to conduct patrols at Sai Kung’s Sharp Island following reports from Greenpeace regarding environmental damage in the Hong Kong geopark on the National Day.
The Bureau shared on social media that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the police have increased patrol personnel on the island to inspect for illegal activities, while the Marine Department has also dispatched patrol boats to monitor the surrounding waters for unlawful anchoring.
It said a joint operation involving the three departments commenced today to prevent any illegal behaviors on the island and will continue throughout the Golden Week until October 8.
Furthermore, officials are distributing leaflets in multiple languages to visitors at the Sai Kung Pier and the island, promoting awareness about ecological conservation.
To strengthen publicity, the government will disseminate relevant information outlining the relevant penalties and calling for the cleanup of marine debris and oil spills on social media.
The statement followed Greenpeace’s call for the government to protect the island after over 4,000 visitors flocked there on the National Day, raising concerns of overtourism.
Greenpeace also observed that some snorkelers were trampling the coral reefs, diving with harpoons and pressing on the corals for leverage, while some visitors were digging up coastal creatures, discarding garbage and illegally making fires for cooking.
The government said the AFCD will closely monitor the coral reefs and coastal ecology on the island.
