WWF-Hong Kong staff approached a mainland Chinese tourist family on a beach in Sai Kung after their son was spotted collecting crabs, prompting the release of the animals. Authorities have increased patrols on the island ahead of the May 1 holiday, which lasts five days on the mainland but only one day in Hong Kong.
About a dozen visitors were observed removing small crabs and shells from a tombolo on Hong Kong's Sharp Island on Friday, the first day of mainland China's five-day Labour Day golden week. Conservation officers and WWF-Hong Kong staff confronted the visitors and issued warnings. A 42-year-old mainland tourist surnamed Chen released the crabs his son had collected after being approached by staff.
Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong's Sharp Island for its tombolo also gained an appreciation for local coral reefs and marine life, thanks to increased government promotion and protection efforts.
