Corals under the sea waters of Hong Kong is showing a sign of improvement despite of the threats by tourism and fishing, according to Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

 

In its latest report published Saturday on corals conservation, the department said the corals of Hong Kong is flourishing with its covering area enlarged from 72.5 percent to 73.1 percent and Coral watch index, an indicator of color, up from 3.85 to 4.24.

 

The department said the improvement attributed to the use of coral marker buoys, which remind boats not to anchor in the waters of healthy corals reefs.

 

However, they worried that corals' health may be affected in some tourism hot spot since diving became popular in Hong Kong. They said touching and collecting corals will cause damage to the delicate organism.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2006)