Staff members from the management office of the Qingdao seaside scenery zone feed seagulls at Zhanqiao Pier. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Residents of Qingdao in Shandong province, deeply concerned about the food shortage for seagulls near Zhanqiao Pier during the coronavirus outbreak, now can set their minds at rest, according to local officials.

Authorities from the management office of the Qingdao seaside scenery zone said that staff members began feeding the seagulls twice daily starting Feb 2.

After the outbreak in China and evidence of rapid human-to-human transmission, governments at all level surged people to stay at home and restricted travel and cancelled major public events.

"Due to the epidemic, fewer tourists visit Zhanqiao Pier to feed the seagulls. I'm very concerned that the birds may suffer from hunger," said a local citizen surnamed Wang. 

According to Du Xijuan, an official from the management office of the Qingdao seaside scenery zone, many food donations had been received from concerned companies.

"We have organized staff members to feed the birds twice a day," Du said. "Seagulls cannot starve as they can also catch fish and shrimp in the sea."

Du also advised local citizens not to feed the birds during the critical time of the epidemic prevention and control.

Zhanqiao Pier is one of the city's iconic landmarks in Shinan district. The scenic spot is close to the Qingdao Railway Station, so it's always the first stop for tourists.

The pier is a must-see destination for visitors to take a stroll, enjoy the coastal sights and feed seagulls as tens of thousands of the birds fly to surrounding waters at the end of October from the north to spend winter in the city.