The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Underwater Association jointly held a Coastal Clean-up Day for the sixth year at Sharp Island in Sai Kung today (September 21), in support of International Coastal Clean-up Day and hence enhancing public awareness of marine conservation. Volunteers helped remove abandoned fishing gear on the nearby seabed and litter left on the beach.

     An AFCD spokesman said, "Sharp Island is known for high coral coverage in Hong Kong, and is a popular diving site for coral viewing. Through the coastal clean-up activity, we hope divers and volunteers will personally experience the impact of marine rubbish on marine ecology, and keep the sea clean. During the activity, divers were also reminded to pay attention to safety while removing abandoned rubbish on the seabed.

     "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 conserve marine resources."

     56 volunteers participated in the Coastal Clean-up Day today and collected around 50 kilograms of rubbish from the seabed and the beach.
 

Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:05

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