The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today announced the rollout of crowd and site management measures at key ecotourism hotspots for the Mainland's National Day Golden Week.

High Island Reservoir East Dam

In addition to deploying extra staff to strengthen management of the East Dam area of High Island Reservoir, the AFCD will use drone patrols equipped with broadcasting systems regularly above the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and remind visitors not to cross the railings.

Visitor flow updates will be published via the ''Enjoy Hiking" Information on Visitor Flow at East Dam of High Island Reservoir webpage to help visitors better plan accordingly.

The department will also continue trialing the online real-name reservation arrangement for the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section alongside localised crowd management measures at the Po Pin Chau Section and the viewing platform.

Reservations for October 1 to 5 are fully booked, while limited quotas remain available for certain time slots on other days.

Campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan in Sai Kung

Additional AFCD personnel will be deployed around the clock to patrol, enforce regulations and utilise CCTV monitor systems.Staff will promote safe hiking, environmental protection while stepping up management and cleanup efforts.

To assist campers, the department will provide food-residue strainers outside the Ham Tin public toilet and pilot a smaller grill lending service at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites.

Meanwhile, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has installed an eco-smart toilet near the Ham Tin public toilet to provide additional cubicles and washing facilities, and will station attendants on-site throughout the holidays.

Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island

The AFCD will increase staff deployment and use drones to monitor beaches and coastal areas, alongside joint patrols with the FEHD, the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Police Force to maintain order.

Frontline staff will immediately intervene if visitors attempt to harm the ecology, such as damaging, disturbing, feeding or collecting marine organisms, or entering the water at coral locations.

Collaborating with the WWF-Hong Kong, the AFCD will set up a public education booth at the Sharp Island pier and the beach to promote marine conservation messages and guidelines for appreciating nature.

Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides will also patrol the nearshore waters to remind snorkelers to follow coral-friendly routes for entering and exiting the water to avoid accidentally trampling on corals.

The AFCD will monitor visitor flow at Shui Hau on Lantau Island, patrol the Shui Hau sandflat and work with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to organise public education activities, including setting up an educational booth, distributing conservation leaflets, and engaging visitors with information on how to protect horseshoe crabs and the surrounding coastal environment.