Did you spot that yellow buoy? It marks the boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. This marine park is located on the western side of Hong Kong. It is a protected area since November 22 1996. Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park covers 1200 hectares. That is about 3000 acres.
Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park is influenced by the Pearl River. The water here has low salinity. It also has high organic nutrients. This makes it perfect for marine life. The marine park has a great diversity of fauna and flora.
The Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park is known for its rich marine resources. It is an important habitat for the Chinese white dolphin. These dolphins are also called Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphins. The fishes here are food for the dolphins. Engrulidae Scieanidae and Clupeidae families can be found in the marine park.
There are some rules to remember when visiting the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. Power-driven vessels cannot exceed 10 knots. Fishing requires permission from the AFCD. Mooring or anchoring is prohibited without permission from AFCD.
However you don’t have to ask for permission to anchor. The AFCD has already given permission in designated areas. These are called mooring sites. They are marked on maps of the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park.
Sha Chau has a noted scenic spot. It is the Tin Hau Temple. This temple was built during the Qing dynasty in 1846. Fishermen came here to pray to Mazu. Mazu is the Goddess of the Sea.
Pak Chau is also called Tree Island. This small island is near the western boundary of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park. It is an important night-time roost site for wintering cormorants. That is one reason why Lung Kwu Chau Tree Island and Sha Chau are a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1979.
The marine environment of Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park has high turbidity. Marine organisms are adapted to this environment. Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park enhances the diversity of marine fauna and flora. It provides nursery grounds for many fish and shellfish species. It is well-known for rich fisheries resources. It is also an important habitat for Chinese white dolphins.
Remember to respect this special place as you explore Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park.