Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve

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Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve was designated in July 1996. It lies on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island.

The total sea area is about 20 hectares. The eastern boundary stretches from Sheung Sz Mun to the eastern tip of the Cape D'Aguilar coast, then southwards to the southeastern tip of Kau Pei Chau. The western boundary stretches from the rocky headland opposite the radio transmitting station to the southern tip of Kau Pei Chau coastline. The landward boundary generally follows the high water mark along the coastline.

The Marine Reserve is set up for the purpose of conservation of marine resources, scientific studies and public education for the appreciation of our precious marine resources. In order to protect the important organisms and their habitats, except those permitted for scientific purposes, water sports and certain coastal recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing and collecting any wild animals or plants, or their parts, are prohibited in the Marine Reserve.

Geological and Geomorphological Interest

Four major rock types are found adjacent to the reserve. From the oldest to the youngest, they are the tuffs with volcanic bombs, granodiorites, porphyritic rhyolites and basaltic dykes respectively. Geomorphologically, the Marine Reserve has typical exposed rocky shore of south-easterly-directed capes and headlands in Hong Kong. Its coastal features are the result of the interaction between prevailing wind, tidal actions and parent rock. The steep granite coast is rugged and irregularly stepped, with both up to a metre high vertical faces and narrow shelves often dipping back to retain temporary splash pools.