In the 1940s, indeed until the 1960s, Hong Kong’s channels and islands remained sparsely inhabited by fishing-farming people
who lived in remote valleys by the coasts. As the image opposite suggests, the coastal areas were relatively barren. However, their surrounding waters were largely pristine and, from their abundant marine species and populations, they gave bountiful harvests. 
 
Today, by extreme contrast, the fishing-farming hamlets virtually
all have been depopulated or even entirely abandoned; although
in places easier of access weekend recreational residents have taken the place of villagers. Nowhere, however, is now remote
from the city. The once lovely coastline, with its translucent waters that Hedda Morrison photographed, is now severely affected by various blights. Of these, perhaps the worst is marine rubbish as the images below show. Thrown overboard from fishing boats and other vessels, washed down storm water drains from the urban areas, non-biodegradable materials – plastics, above all – despoil the lovely coasts.