On Thursday red and shark flags were hoisted at two beaches on Lamma Island after a swimmer found a suspected baby shark that was about 50cm long at Hung Shing Yeh Beach. The flags were hoisted at Lo So Shing Beach as well due to its proximity to the location of the sighting. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department later identified the shark to be a spadenose shark (Scoliodon laticaudus).
In a stunning display of massive overreaction, the Government Flying Service and the Marine Police to swept the area for any large fish or sharks, finding nothing, while a LCSD sonar search also found no sharks. The shark net was inspected and was found to be in good condition.
The two beaches will remain temporarily closed for safety reasons, while all other LCSD beaches and water sports centres have “enhanced vigilance”.
There was a string of three fatal shark attacks within 10 days in 1995, which prompted the government to install shark nets at official beaches. There have since been no shark attacks, and sightings remain rare.
Scientists estimate that 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year, and Hong Kong is the world’s biggest trade hub for shark’s fin. So we think it’s great news that sharks are feeling welcome again in Hong Kong.
Photo (a spadenose shark specimen from Thailand) by Tassapon Krajangdara and Montri Sumontha via Wikimedia
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