Sharp Island in Sai Kung could become Hong Kong’s next marine park under a government proposal that has yet to receive formal designation.
According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s official proposal submitted to the Country and Marine Parks Board, the government is proposing to designate a new Sharp Island Marine Park covering around 63 hectares around the western and eastern sides of the island.
The proposal matters because Sharp Island is already one of Sai Kung’s most popular nature spots, known for its “Pineapple Bun Rocks”, clear waters, beaches and tidal tombolo. But the same features that attract visitors are also putting pressure on the area.
The AFCD paper says the waters around Sharp Island have significant coral communities, with more than 70% coral coverage in certain areas, extensive Pavona coral beds, locally uncommon Acropora colonies and over 300 reef fish species.
At the moment, Sharp Island is not managed as a marine park. If the proposal is approved, the area would receive formal protection under Hong Kong’s marine park system. According to AFCD’s Marine Parks and Marine Reserve information, marine parks are created for conservation, education, scientific studies and recreation, with compatible activities generally allowed.
For visitors, this does not mean Sharp Island would become off-limits. Activities such as boating, diving and snorkelling could still continue, but in a more managed way. The proposed management plan includes designated mooring sites to protect coral from anchor damage, managed snorkelling zones with recommended routes, kayak launch and parking at the unnamed beach, no entry or exit zones from the shore, patrols, safety briefings, water activity guide maps and visitor flow control.
One of the biggest proposed changes is fishing. AFCD recommends prohibiting fishing activities within the proposed Sharp Island Marine Park, saying fishing has a relatively significant impact on coral communities. However, the department also notes that fishing activity in the proposed area is currently low, so the impact on fishermen is expected to be slight.
Public engagement began in May 2026, and the government aims to complete the statutory designation process by mid-2027. So for now, Sharp Island is not yet Hong Kong’s newest marine park — but it is officially being considered for that status.
Header Image Credit: CHUNYIP WONG via Canva