The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reminds the public that access to the Sham Wan Restricted Area on Lamma Island will be prohibited from tomorrow (April 1) until Oct. 31 to protect nesting green turtles.
The Sham Wan Restricted Area includes a 0.5-hectare beach and a 98.2-hectare sea inlet adjacent to the beach. This restriction is in place for seven months, from April 1 to Oct. 31.
An AFCD spokesman stated, "The green turtle is an endangered species protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. It is the only sea turtle species that nests locally. The sandy beach at Sham Wan is the sole nesting site in Hong Kong and one of the few in the South China Sea. Green turtles are known to stay in waters near their natal beaches before and during nesting. During this period, breeding green turtles are particularly sensitive to human disturbances, which can frighten them and lead to abandonment of nesting. The designation of the Sham Wan Restricted Area helps safeguard these endangered turtles and their breeding ground, positively impacting their survival and breeding in the long term."
The spokesman also noted that AFCD staff will patrol the area to prevent unauthorized entry and monitor the nesting activities of green turtles. Unauthorized entry into the restricted area can result in a maximum fine of HK$50,000 upon conviction.
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