Hong Kong Reef Check 2002

Background

In collaboration with the Reef Check Foundation, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has coordinated annual surveys of corals in Hong Kong (Reef Check) since 2000. The number of voluntary divers participated are over 300 and 30 coral sites are surveyed respectively. Two components were also added to this year's programme. We invited a wider interested group for participation and organised a comprehensive training programme to team members and scientists on the technique and skills for coral survey and data collection. Corals at all 30 sites are healthy. Out of the 30 sites surveyed, 20 of them recorded high coral cover (i.e. >50%). Details of the results were announced at the press conference organized on 26 October 2002.