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In support of International Coastal Clean-up Day, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Underwater Association today (September 19) jointly held a coastal clean-up campaign at Sharp Island in Sai Kung to remove fishing gear and rubbish left on the nearby seabed and a beach.
An AFCD spokesman said, "By organising the clean-up activity at Sharp Island, a popular diving site for coral viewing in Hong Kong, we have sought to provide a chance for divers and people participating in water sports to be personally involved in keeping the sea clean and appreciate the importance of protecting the marine ecology, thus enhancing public awareness of marine conservation.
"Abandoned fishing gear on the seabed may trap and kill marine life. With the removal of the abandoned fishing gear and refuse, it will help improve the marine environment and preserve marine resources."
Some 50 volunteers participated in the coastal clean-up day and collected around 500 kilograms of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.
Ends/Saturday, September 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:35
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