The government’s proposal to establish a new marine park on Sharp Island in Sai Kung has received initial support from advisers, with plans to complete legislative procedures by mid-2027.
The Country and Marine Parks Board, which advises on country park and marine reserve matters, unanimously supported the proposal by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department during a meeting on Wednesday.
The proposed marine park will span around 63 hectares of coral-rich waters on the eastern and western sides of Sharp Island, including its famous tombolo and surrounding marine habitats.
Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, chairman of the board and chair professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry at City University of Hong Kong, said the plan strikes a balance between protecting high-value coral ecosystems and meeting the needs of various marine users.
Highlighting the ecological urgency, Janet Lee Ka-wai, a senior marine conservation officer at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said acoustic and optical surveys conducted in late 2025 revealed high coral coverage around Sharp Island, particularly on its western side.
However, these delicate ecosystems face immediate pressure from heavy tourist traffic and inappropriate marine recreational activities.
The establishment of a marine park is part of a comprehensive management plan, which includes a dedicated post on the island to provide safety briefings and water activity guidelines. The park will also implement zoning management, including designated mooring areas and vessel speed limits.
Leung told China Daily that a marine park is vital for conservation as its establishment will grant managers the necessary legal authority.
He said that workers currently lack the power to stop inappropriate behavior, such as when people damage coral or remove marine life as souvenirs. All they can do is try to verbally persuade people not to behave this way, he added.
“Since we don’t have a legal basis currently, we are just like a toothless tiger,” Leung said.
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Deputy Secretary for Environment and Ecology Fabia Tam Cheuk-chi emphasized the urgency of passing legislation swiftly.
“More specific measures should be taken depending on the effectiveness of the legislation, and we will adopt a progressive approach while considering social acceptance,” Tam said.
Through ongoing public consultations, the authorities are also assessing how the legislation will affect tourists, fishers, and other stakeholders.
Qiu Jianwen, chairman of the Marine Parks Committee and a veteran marine biologist, said that public ecological education still has a long way to go, and called for campaigns to foster environmental awareness.
“Many things are better off being appreciated and respected, rather than possessed,” Leung added. “Otherwise, our next generation will not be able to see them.”
Roys Zhang also contributed to the story.
Contact the writers at gangwen@chinadailyhk.com
