People urged to avoid Port Island as experts search for more fossils

Michael Shum

More dinosaur fossils may be discovered on Port Island, where experts recently unearthed the first dinosaur fossil in the Special Administrative Region.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho urged citizens to refrain from visiting the outlying island in the northeastern New Territories, as it could disrupt ongoing research.

This announcement follows Linn's revelation that the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department discovered the city's first-ever dinosaur fossil - believed to be from the Cretaceous period, which spanned about 145 million to 66 million years ago.

Linn said the department had uncovered the fossils while conducting regular specimen collections several years ago.

"Our colleagues found the fossils but were uncertain about their classification. Fortunately, after signing a framework agreement with our mainland counterparts in 2022, we were able to consult with experts," she said. "The experts conducted laboratory tests to confirm the fossil's identity, which was finally validated in August."

She said further studies are ongoing, with the preparation of the fossil expected to be completed next month.

Authorities have closed off Port Island and urged the public to stay away, as their presence could interfere with the experts' work.

Marine police are also increasing patrols in the area.

"Experts believe there are likely more dinosaur fossils on Port Island. Fossils of dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs have also been found in other cities within the Greater Bay Area, which will be compared for further study," Linn said.

The fossil will be on public display starting today at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, she said.

Separately, Linn said the government is considering merging the City Gallery in Central with an exhibition hall planned for Wan Chai North, aimed at showcasing the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands development plans.

Linn also said while most land reclamation efforts in Hong Kong focus on housing, there is a growing need for land dedicated to tourism projects and transport facilities.