In support of International Coastal Clean-up Day, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Underwater Association (HKUA) again jointly held a coastal clean-up campaign at Sharp Island in Sai Kung today (September 17). Volunteers helped remove fishing gear and rubbish left on the nearby seabed and a beach.

     An AFCD spokesman said, “The coastal clean-up activity was well received last year. Therefore, the AFCD and HKUA have collaborated again this year to promote keeping marine environment clean.

     "Sharp Island is a popular diving site for coral viewing in Hong Kong. Through the coastal clean-up activity, we hope divers and people participating in water sports will 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 70 volunteers participated in the coastal clean-up day and collected around 50 kilograms of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.

Ends/Saturday, September 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:36

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