EMAHK is excited to bring together two speakers to share their experiences with enhancing biodiversity in the waters of Hong Kong.
Date: 29 June 2020 (Monday)
Time: 20:15 – 21:30
Register HERE!
Format: Online forum by Zoom
Quota: 100 (priority given to EMAHK members)
Fee: Free of charge
Enquiry: kenneth.chan@emahk.org
1) Enhancing marine biodiversity on seawalls with eco-engineered fixtures by Prof. Kenneth Leung
Reclamation and marine infrastructure projects often adopted vertical or riprap sloping seawalls as coastal defences against wave action, flooding and land erosion. However, these structures do not possess microhabitats that can be readily occupied and used by marine organisms as refuges and feeding grounds. Through integrating the knowledge of marine ecology and engineering, we can now design eco-friendly artificial structures to serve dual roles as coastal defences and functional ecosystems for enhancing marine biodiversity and ecosystem service. In this presentation, Prof. Leung will introduce some basic working principles of eco-engineered fixtures and draw examples from different parts of the world, including the World Harbour Project and ongoing trials in Hong Kong.
2) “Oysters Save Our Seas”: An ecological restoration initiative in Hong Kong by Ms Grace Chau
Oysters, often overlooked as a mere delicacy, are ‘eco-engineers’ that provide ecosystem services crucial for a healthy marine environment. They can clean the seas through bio-filtration and form reefs that provide habitat for marine life while stabilising the shoreline against storms. However, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have made oyster reefs the most endangered marine habitat. ‘Oysters Save Our Seas’ project is an effort to restore oyster reefs in Hong Kong with the aim to improve Hong Kong’s water quality and marine biodiversity. Learning from oyster restoration projects in New York and the Chesapeake Bay, the project engages diverse stakeholders and integrates ecological restoration, scientific research, STEM & environmental education, and public engagement to achieve its goal.
