Legal protection

Legal protection

Legal protection is one of the most important tools used to conserve sea turtles. There are two relevant Hong Kong ordinances which help conserve sea turtles.

Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Chapter 170)

All wild turtles in Hong Kong including sea turtles are "Protected Wild Animals" under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Chapter 170). Hunting, willful disturbance, possession, sale or export of sea turtles including their nests and eggs are subject to a maximum fine of HKD100,000 and an imprisonment of 1 year.

The sandy beach at Sham Wan was designated as one of the Restricted Areas under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance in 1999. Since 2021, the Sham Wan Restricted Area has been expanded to the adjacent waters in the inlet of the sea. The restricted period is April to October each year. Unauthorised entry is subject to a maximum fine of HKD50,000.

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Chapter 586)

All species of sea turtles are also listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Import, export or possession of sea turtles without permission is liable to a maximum fine of HKD10,000,000 and an imprisonment of 10 years.