Turtles in Hong Kong
Sea turtles are regular visitors to the seas of Hong Kong. Four species of sea turtle have been recorded in local waters, all endangered or critically endangered. If you don’t believe me, watch this footage of a Green Turtle filmed by divers in early 2014 at Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q32VARqrV4U
Green Turtles are the only species known to breed here however. In fact, the sandy beach at Sham Wan, Lamma Island is the only regular nesting site of these turtles known in Hong Kong. The site is also one of the few remaining nesting sites in Southern China. Therefore, the site is very important to the survival of this highly endangered species both locally and regionally. Since June 1999, the sandy beach and the nearby shallow water is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The number of female Green Turtles nesting in Sham Wan is small and nesting does not occur every year. The protection of this remnant nesting population is therefore very important.
In order to minimize disturbance to turtles, their nests and eggs, access to the beach area is restricted during the nesting season. The restricted period is from 1 June to 31 October. Illegal entrance is liable to a big fine. Here's the notice.
[information about Sham Wan adapted from the AFCD website]
For more information about Green Turtle conservation in Hong Kong, visit this page or this page.
About the cache
- It goes without saying that the cache is NOT within the restricted zone. There is no need to search at the beach to get this cache. During the restricted period however, patrols are conducted by the nature wardens, and there is a warden post nearby. Therefore, for the continuity of this cache, it is not ideal to come during the restricted period. You should attempt this one before 1 June or after 31 October – that way you will be able to enjoy the beauty of this beach too. I will disable the cache during the restricted period.
- To reach the cache, take the path leading South from Tung O village. It is an easy, concrete path all the way.
- Please pick up litter (CITO) when you come here (and whenever you go geocaching). Trash in the ocean and on the beach is a major threat to turtles, as well as other marine species.
- Please don’t post photos of the container. Keep it a surprise for other cachers. Thanks!