Proposal to Create a Marine Park at Kiu Tsui is a Conservation Win

Press Release 

10 June 2026 

Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance (HKMPA)

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced its intention to designate a new Marine Park at Kiu Tsui (Sharp Island), in Port Shelter, and provided details of the intended management plan on 10 June 2026. The proposal to the Country and Marine Parks Board outlines a 63 ha Marine Park comprising of two areas encompassing the main coral communities to the west and east of the island. 

The HKMPA welcomes the announcement. The coral communities at Kiu Tsui are particularly well developed and diverse, and more than 300 reef fish species have been recorded there. The most extensive coral area on the western shore of Kiu Tsui is readily accessible from Sai Kung town.

The AFCD first devised guidance for visitors to Kiu Tsui with HKMPA member WWF-Hong Kong (details here) and has now proposed a Marine Park. This is a pragmatic and timely step to conserve these important coral communities and represents a substantial win for conservation in Port Shelter.

Fishing will be banned while the existing no-anchoring areas over the corals will be continued, removing some of the biggest threats. The Country and Marine Parks Authority has the power to control or prohibit other activities incompatible with conservation and sustainable use if needed.

Kiu Tsui will also be the first marine park to have a dedicated management plan, a new policy initiative under the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035. This is also a very positive development. Kiu Tsui would become the most accessible Marine Park and can contribute to the Government’s vision of adding ecotourism opportunities to the experiences available for overseas visitors, so it is essential this initiative is successful. Other sites in Port Shelter and beyond can then be considered.

The Alliance looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with AFCD in areas such as monitoring of coral communities, public education on responsible ecotourism, and practical measures such as the installation of mooring buoys.

About the Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance

The Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance (HKMPA) was established in mid-2022 as a collaborative platform dedicated to conserving Hong Kong’s rich and biodiverse marine ecosystems. The HKMPA has grown over time and currently comprises 53 members, representing academia, NGOs, think tanks, corporate partners, and independent experts. The Alliance would like to see the establishment of a network of effectively managed marine protected areas covering all habitat types, and around 30% of our waters, for the benefit of fisheries enhancement, ecotourism, education and biodiversity restoration.

Media Enquiries

Dr. Andy Cornish

andy@cornerstonestrategies.net

Mobile 96447002

Coordinator

Hong Kong Marine Protection Alliance