In support of International Coastal Clean-up Day, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Underwater Association again jointly held a coastal clean-up campaign at Sharp Island in Sai Kung today (September 16). Volunteers helped remove abandoned fishing gear on the nearby seabed and rubbish left on the beach.

     An AFCD spokesman said, "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. Removal of the abandoned fishing gear and refuse will help improve the marine environment and preserve marine resources."

     More than 50 volunteers participated in the coastal clean-up day today and collected around 36 kilograms of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.

Ends/Saturday, September 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:03

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