Every year AquaMeridian holds one of Hong Kong largest cleanup on Lamma Island.
The sandy beach at Sham Wan, Lamma Island is the only site in Hong Kong and one of the few sites in South China Sea at which Green Turtles nest from time to time. Therefore, the site is very important to the breeding and survival of this endangered species both locally and regionally.
The number of Green Turtles nesting in Sham Wan is small and there would only be nesting once in several years. The protection of this remnant nesting population is very important and a variety of conservation measures have been undertaken.
Before the onset of the nesting season each year, AFCD carries out conservation management work at the nesting site including removal of climbers such as the Beach Morning-glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) and Vitex rotundifolia. The latter is extensively rooted and difficult to control. These climbers obstruct the turtles from making their nests and their hatchlings from entering the sea. If turtles are unable to penetrate the climber thicket and have to make nests closer to the sea, the eggs would have a risk of being flooded.
Marine refuse also poses problem to sea turtles. While the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is responsible for removing garbage on beaches, refuse is sometimes washed ashore. AFCD conducts regular inspection at the Sham Wan Restricted Area and remove abandoned fishing nets, refuse and unwanted vegetation to maintain suitable habitats for breeding Green Turtles
