Hong Kong Reef Check 2003

Results

Coral coverage

Species diversity

Other Observations

Change in Coral Coverage (2002 & 2003)

Measures taken by AFCD on coral conservation

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Coral coverage

• A marked difference in coral coverage (ranging from 12.5% to 77.5%) was recorded among 32 survey sites. The percentage of coral coverage for each survey site is shown in the middle graph below.
• Out of the 32 sites surveyed, 22 of them recorded high coral coverage (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, Gruff Head and the Public Pier of Hoi Ha Wan, Long Ke Wan, Tai She Wan, Ngau Shi Wu Wan, Shelter Island, Bluff Island, Sharp Island North and Town Island.
• Coral Garden at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is the site with the highest coral coverage (77.5%).
• Survey sites within marine parks (i.e. Hoi Ha Wan, Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Parks) recorded high coral coverage (i.e. >50%).

Species diversity

Sites with high coral coverage recorded high diversity and abundance of fish fauna.

• 20 out of the total 22 pre-determined indicator species were recorded in the survey. High diversity of indicator species was recorded in most of the sites.
• Out of the 22 indicator species, wrasses, groupers, butterfly fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and cowries are common species found.
• Most of the groupers, sweetlips, snappers and wrasses were found in survey sites at Port Shelter and NE waters including the three marine parks. Coral trouts were also recorded in some of these sites.

Other Observations

• Corals at all 32 sites were healthy.
  No signs of destructive fishing practices were observed at all sites. However, abandoned nets and coral damages caused by boat anchor were found at isolated sites.
• Coral bleaching and damage caused by typhoon were also observed at isolated sites. The impacts were low and localised.
• The problem of coral damage at Bluff Island has been controlled. The dive team did not record any noticeable and recent coral damages caused by boat anchor. This may have been related to the deployment of coral marker buoys in the area and continued effort in education and publicity on coral conservation.

Change in Coral Coverage (2002 & 2003)

• Sites surveyed by the same dive team in the past 2 years were selected for comparison. 10 sites were selected.
• The growth and condition of corals at all sites are stable with some sites showing slight improvement (Graph in the right below).

Measures taken by AFCD on coral conservation

Coral reefs are highly productive systems, which support a high diversity of marine life. AFCD has put in place a series of measures and programmes to protect and conserve the coral communities in Hong Kong. Key areas include:

(a) Education and publicity

We have organized a range of educational and publicity activities including public lectures, seminars and exhibitions to enhance public understanding of the importance of protecting the marine environment and coral communities. We have also published leaflets and booklets to introduce our attractive and diverse coral fauna and educate the public on the need of protecting them. A book entitled "Hong Kong Reef-building Corals" was published in mid-2003.

(b) Monitoring and studies

We actively monitor the status of coral communities of Hong Kong through the annual "Reef Check" activity. There has been an increase in the number of participants and survey sites every year, indicating support from the public on this activity. Results of the Reef Check are publicised to raise public awareness of the current status of our marine environment and to seek their cooperation in protecting our precious marine resources.

We also undertake comprehensive coral studies to provide information for sound and adaptive management.

(c) Reduce coral damage caused by boating and recreational activities

To protect coral communities from anchor damage, mooring and marker buoys have been installed 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 coverage 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 significantly reduced.

A leaflet teaching divers and snorkelers the best practices in visiting coral sites was published and distributed to the divers through diving clubs.

(d) Scientific database

We have just completed a study to verify and update all hard corals recorded in our local waters. A total of 84 hard coral species, from 28 genera of 12 families were confirmed. A coral field guide is prepared and uploaded to the department website. We have already set up a reference collection containing a complete set of all 84 hard coral specimens for public education and exhibition purposes.

(e) Designation of marine protected areas

We have designated four marine parks and one marine reserve for the conservation of marine environment. We are also undertaking study to provide information for the protection and conservation of important marine ecological systems, including coral communities.