The authorities will strengthen the management of popular eco-tourism sites, Hong Kong's leader has said, after a large number of visitors overwhelmed Sharp Island in Sai Kung during this year's National Day Golden Week.

Chief Executive John Lee said at a regular press conference on Tuesday that the government will pay attention to environmental protection, review transportation arrangements and deploy multiple government departments on days when a large number of visitors are expected.

See also: Opinion: Sharp Island overrun shows Hong Kong needs balanced approach to responsible eco-tourism

NGO Greenpeace Hong Kong has urged action after its field survey found that 4,062 people visited Sharp Island in Sai Kung on Wednesday, October 1. National Day is a public holiday in Hong Kong and the beginning of an eight-day nationwide holiday in mainland China.

Greenpeace said that some boats had ignored Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) regulations and anchored directly within the coral zone. Meanwhile, a large number of visitors reportedly dug up coastal organisms such as starfish, sea urchins, and clams, while others littered and started fires illegally for cooking, the group said.

"The government will set up more signs and maintain the hygiene of the site," Lee told reporters in Cantonese.

"[T]aking Sharp Island as an example, the AFCD has already reached out to ferry services providers, diving clubs, divers and tourists, encouraging them to conserve marine animals, protect the environment and ensure responsible diving activities," he added.

Lee said the AFCD will consider the possibility of folding some coastal areas with high ecological value into the marine reserve area. Authorities will also share environmental protection messages across various channels.

Patrick Lai, deputy director of the AFCD, said in an interview with iCable last Thursday that the overall the Sharp Island coral health remained good, but coral in shallow water where people swam was slightly damaged.

Showing a photo of the reef, Lai said in Cantonese: "[T]hese white spots are coral damage. Simply speaking, they are wounds on the coral, there are multiple wounds on the coral. We cannot confirm if this was done during October 1, but I believe they are new wounds."

Sharp Island is part of Hong Kong's UNESCO Global Geopark.

Gov't will step up management of eco-tourism sites after Sharp Island influx, says leader John Lee