The Country and Marine Parks Board on Wednesday unanimously supported a proposal to establish a new marine park on Sharp Island to better conserve its coral resources, aiming to complete the legislative procedures by mid-2027.
The proposed marine park will span approximately 63 hectares of coral-rich waters on the eastern and western sides of Sharp Island in Sai Kung, encompassing its famous tombolo and surrounding marine habitats.
Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, chairman of the Country and Marine Parks Board, said the plan is “both scientific and pragmatic”, and strikes an effective balance between protecting high-value coral ecosystems and fulfilling the needs of various marine users.
To finalize the designation, the board said that it will consult relevant government departments and gazette the draft map for a 60-day public inspection period, after which it aims to complete the statutory procedures by the middle of next year.
Explaining the ecological urgency, Janet Lee Ka-wai, a senior marine conservation officer of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said acoustic and optical surveys conducted in late 2025 revealed high coral coverage around Sharp Island, particularly on its western side.
However, these delicate ecosystems face immediate pressure from heavy tourist traffic and inappropriate marine recreational activities.
In response, the board proposed a comprehensive management plan.
Upon completion of the statutory process, a dedicated management post will be established on the island to provide safety briefings and water activity guidelines. The park will also implement zoning management, including designated mooring areas and vessel speed limits.
Leung told China Daily that a marine park is vital for conservation as its establishment will grant managers the necessary legal power necessary.
Leung said that workers currently lack the power to stop uncivilized behavior, such as when people damage coral or remove marine life as souvenirs. All they can do is try to verbally persuade people not to behave like this.
“Since we don’t have a legal basis currently, we are just like a toothless tiger,” Leung said.
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Deputy Secretary for Environment and Ecology Fabia Tam Cheuk-chi said at the board meeting that there is an urgent priority to pass legislation swiftly.
“More specific measures should be taken depending on the effectiveness of the legislation, and we will adopt a progressive approach while considering social acceptance,” Tam said.
Lee said that the board still needs to carefully weigh up how the legislation will affect other marine users and stakeholders such as those who fish.
Qiu Jianwen, chairman of the Marine Parks Committee and a veteran marine biologist, said that public ecological education still has a long way to go, and called for campaigns to foster environmental awareness.
“Many things are better off being appreciated and respected, rather than possessed,” Leung added. “Otherwise, our next generation will not be able to see them.”
Roys Zhang also contributed to the story.
