Press Releases

Tung Ping Chau Marine Park opens
Saturday, November 17, 2001

The establishment of the Tung Ping Chau Marine Park would enable better protection of the rich coral communities along the coastal and sea area of Tung Ping Chau and further conserve Hong Kong's marine environment, Executive Council Convenor, Mr Leung Chun-ying said today (November 17).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, Mr Leung said, "The fringing coral formation of Tung Ping Chau, measuring 1.8 square kilometers, is the largest in Hong Kong. It supports a variety of marine organisms.

"The tranquility of the island also provides a good place for the public to relax and stay away from city life," Mr Leung said.

He said that Tung Ping Chau was characterised by sedimentary rock formations. Kan Lau Shek, Lung Lok Shui and Cham Ken Chau are some of the popular scenic spots. The varieties of birds, butterflies, rocky shore animals and plants were of high educational value.

"With the efforts made by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), members of the public can further explore the distinctive features of Tung Ping Chau thus paving the way for promoting eco-tourism there," Mr Leung added.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mrs Lessie Wei said the first batch of marine parks was designated in 1996 for nature conservation, education, scientific studies and recreation.

"Tung Ping Chau Marine Park is the fourth of its kind in Hong Kong. Although it covers a small part of the sea area, it houses important corals, sea weed and sea grasses. It is also a spawning and nursery ground for fish and other marine organisms.

"Tung Ping Chau is characterised by its rock formations, geological features and ecological environment. It is an ideal place for field studies and promoting eco-tourism. We will work closely with villagers in this regard," Mrs Wei said.

She added that study tours and field studies will be arranged for primary and secondary students. Information boards have been set up on the island to facilitate visitors.

Tung Ping Chau Marine Park covers 270 hectares of coastal and sea area around Ping Chau in Mirs Bay. The coastal coral formation is the largest in Hong Kong.

Common stony coral species include Pavona decussata, Platygyra sinensis and Acropora tumida. Lobophytum sp., Sarcophyton sp., and Dendronephthya sp. are common soft corals and gorgonians found off Tung Ping Chau.

These coral communities support more than 130 species of reef fish. Other marine invertebrates recorded on Tung Ping Chau include sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, cowries and sea slugs.