Fishing Frenzy as Red Stingrays Swarm Tai Po's Lam Tsuen River
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A fishing frenzy erupted in Tai Po on Thursday when a swarm of red stingrays—commonly called devilfish locally—was spotted in the Lam Tsuen River. Social media quickly spread footage and news of the unusual marine visitors near Kwong Fuk Bridge, drawing curious onlookers throughout the afternoon. Some fishermen were seen catching multiple stingrays in rapid succession, while others cut off the venomous barbs before transporting the fish home in bicycle baskets. The incident has sparked online debate about whether people should allow these marine creatures to return safely to the harbor.
Key Points
- At least five red stingrays (Hemitrygon akajei) were filmed swimming in the Lam Tsuen River on Thursday, prompting crowds to gather at Kwong Fuk Bridge
- One angler reportedly caught three stingrays within minutes using nets and fishing rods, while another video showed a man in a small boat netting at least nine fish
- Chong Dee-hwa, chairman of the Ichthyological Society of Hong Kong, confirmed the species as Hemitrygon akajei, noting they have long inhabited local riverbeds and coastal waters
- Experts attribute the surge to the end of the South China Sea fishing moratorium and recent heavy rains that increased river discharge, prompting the fish to swim upriver to forage
- Similar stingray sightings occurred in the same river ahead of Super Typhoon Saola in September 2023 and Severe Tropical Storm Trami in October 2024
Why It Matters
The mass appearance of stingrays in urban waterways highlights how seasonal environmental changes and fishing policies can drive marine animals into unexpected habitats. This incident underscores the ongoing tension between public curiosity and marine conservation, as many netizens questioned why anglers target these creatures despite the strong ammonia smell of stingray meat and calls to protect the animals. The Lam Tsuen River's recurring role as a temporary habitat for stingrays before storms suggests it serves as a natural refuge for marine species during adverse weather conditions.
The mass appearance of stingrays in urban waterways highlights how seasonal environmental changes and fishing policies can drive marine animals into unexpected habitats. This incident underscores the ongoing tension between public curiosity and marine conservation, as many netizens questioned why anglers target these creatures despite the strong ammonia smell of stingray meat and calls to protect the animals. The Lam Tsuen River's recurring role as a temporary habitat for stingrays before storms suggests it serves as a natural refuge for marine species during adverse weather conditions.