Hong Kong Reef Check 2002

Results

Coral cover

Species diversity

Other Observations

Change in Coral Cover (2001 & 2002)

Measures taken by AFCD on coral conservation

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Coral cover

• A marked difference in coral cover (ranging from 15.6% to 75.5%) was recorded among 30 survey sites.
• Out of the 30 sites surveyed, 20 of them recorded high coral cover (i.e. >50%). These sites included A Ma Wan, A Ye Wan and Wong Ye Kwok of Tung Ping Chau, Kai Kung Tau and Tau Tun of Kat O, Lai Chi Wo, A Yue Tsui, North and East of Crescent Island, Double Island, Wong Chuk Kok, Port Island, Coral Beach, Moon Island, Gruff Head and the Public Pier of Hoi Ha Wan, Long Ke Wan, Pak Lap, Shelter Island and Bluff Island.
• Coral Garden of Hoi Ha Wan is the site with the highest coral cover (75.5%).
• All 8 survey sites within existing marine parks (i.e. Hoi Ha Wan,Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau marine parks) recorded high coral cover (>50%).

Species diversity

• Sites with high coral covers record high diversity and abundance of fish fauna.
• 20 out of the total 26 pre-determined indicator species were recorded in the survey. Most of the sites recorded a higher abundance and diversity of fish as compared with last year.
• Out of the 26 indicator species, wrasses, groupers, butterfly fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and cowries are most common.
• Groupers and wrasses are found in most of the sites at NE waters and Port Shelter. Coral trouts are also recorded in some of these sites.

Other Observations

• Corals at all 30 sites are healthy.
• No signs of destructive fishing practices were observed at all sites.
• Abandoned nets and coral bleaching are observed at isolated sites. The impacts are low and localised.
• The coral damage at Bluff Island has shown great improvement. The dive team did not record any noticeable and recent coral damages caused by boat anchor. This may result from the recent deployment of coral marker buoys in the area and continued effort in education and publicity on coral conservation.

Change in Coral Cover (2001 & 2002)

• Sites surveyed by the same dive team in the past 2 years were selected for comparison, 8 sites were selected.
• The growth and condition of corals at all sites are stable with some sites showing improvements.

Measures taken by AFCD on coral conservation

Coral reefs are highly productive systems and support a diverse assemblage of marine flora and fauna. We will continue our effort in conserving and protecting the coral communities in Hong Kong. Our current programmes on coral conservation are summarised as follows:

• We have strengthened our effort in coral conservation through publicity and education. We have published booklets, leaflets and posters for sale and free distribution to the public. Two large-scale photographic exhibitions on marine conservation were held this year and received very good responses.
• To address anchor damage to corals, we are providing mooring and marker buoys in marine parks where recreation pressure is high. We have also installed four marker buoys at Ung Kong Wan to mark off areas with high coral cover and advise boat operators to avoid anchoring within the marked area. The initial results indicate that damages to corals caused by boating activities have been reduced.
• We have commissioned a study to verify and document all stony corals recorded in our local waters. A reference collection on stony coral specimens will also be established.
• We now have 4 marine parks and 1 marine reserve. Two more marine parks at South West Lantau and Soko Islands are being planned. Feasibility study on potential marine parks is underway. Subject to the findings, we will consider designating more marine parks/reserve for the protection and conservation of important marine ecological systems, including coral communities.
• In collaboration with Reef Check Foundation, we will continue to organise Hong Kong Reef Check in future so that useful data on distribution, trends of abundance and health status of local corals can be obtained for sound and adaptive management and continue contributing to understanding the global coral status.