Hong Kong Reef Check 2004

Results

Coral coverage

Species diversity

Other Observations

Change in Coral Coverage (2003 & 2004)

Measures taken by AFCD on coral conservation

Click to enlarge	Click to enlarge

Coral coverage

• A variation in coral coverage (ranging from 14.4% to 75%) was recorded among 33 survey sites. The percentage of coral coverage for each survey site is shown in the above graph (left hand side).

• Out of the 33 sites surveyed, 21 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, Wu Pai, South and West 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, Shelter Island, Bluff Island and Sharp Island North.

• Coral Garden at Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is the site with the highest coral coverage (75%).

• 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%).

• Out of the 33 sites surveyed, corals at 20 sites were identified up to genus level by the team scientists. This reflects the increased interest of team members on coral identification and the success of the technical training we offered.

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 33 sites were generally healthy.

• No signs of destructive fishing practices were observed at all sites. However, we have recorded abandoned nets and some coral damages at about 6 sites. 

• Coral bleaching was also observed at 4 sites. It may be caused by the extended period of elevated water temperature during this summer. The impacts were however low and localised.

• The problem of coral damage at Bluff Island was under control. The dive team did not record any noticeable and recent coral damages caused by boat anchor. There has been a progressive improvement in coral cover at Bluff Island (from 53.1% in 2002, to 56.9% in 2003 and 60% in 2004) since the installation of marker buoys in this area in 2002. This may have been related to the success of coral marker buoys and continued effort in education and publicity on coral conservation.

• Marker buoys were also installed at Port Island and Sharp Island early this year for coral protection. The dive teams recorded a slight increase in coral cover and a general decrease in coral damage in these 2 sites as compared with last year.

Change in Coral Coverage (2003 & 2004)

• Sites surveyed by the same dive teams 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. The change of coral cover at these sites is shown in the Graph above (right hand side).

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. New leaflet and poster on “Getting to know more on coral protection” and new stickers on “Codes for visiting coral areas” have recently been published.

New Leaflet	New Poster

	Stickers

(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.

In addition to Reef Check, 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 established a new “Inboard Vessel Prohibition Zone’ at Heung Lo Kok in August 2004 restricting the entry of large vessel into shallow areas with corals. This coupled with the existing “Mechanized Vessels Prohibited Zones” would help protecting corals within Hoi Ha Wan marine park.

Marker Buoys

Taking the experience from Ung Kong Wan, we have extended the marker buoy system to Port Island and Sharp Island for coral protection purposes. The marker buoys serve to mark off areas with high coral cover and notify the marine users to avoid using the areas for boat anchoring. Apart from regular monitoring, we will continue to promote the existence and functions of the coral marker buoys in these areas.

New leaflets and posters on “no-anchoring area” at Ung Kong Wan, Port Island and Sharp Island and new stickers on “Codes for visiting coral areas” have recently been published and distributed to the boaters and divers through various channels.

Leaflet and poster for Ung Kong Wan

Leaflet and poster for Port Island

leaflet and poster for Sharp Island

(d) Scientific database

We have 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 showing 20 coral species commonly found in marine parks has been uploaded to the departmental website. A reference collection containing a complete set of all 84 hard coral specimens has also been set up early this year for public education and exhibition purposes. To document the diversity and unique features of local corals, we are compiling a comprehensive coral field guide and it will be ready for production by early next year.

(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 of other sites to gather information for conservation and management purposes.