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 29). Volunteers helped remove abandoned fishing gear on the nearby seabed and rubbish left on the beach.

     An AFCD spokesman said, "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.

     "Through the coastal clean-up activity, we hope divers and other volunteers 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. Divers were also reminded to pay attention to safety while removing abandoned fishing gear and rubbish on the seabed.

     "We would like to express our appreciation to all the volunteers for their support to the Coastal Clean-up Day and for their efforts in clearing the abandoned fishing gear and rubbish, together with the large quantities of marine refuse washed up onto the beach following the passage of Super Typhoon Mangkhut."

     Thirty-five volunteers participated in the Coastal Clean-up Day today and collected around 95 kilograms of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.

Ends/Saturday, September 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:55

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