About Marine Conservation
Marine Environment in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is located within a subtropical coastal region, with a total sea area of around 1,640 km2. Under the influence of freshwater runoff from the Pearl River estuary in the West, and the seasonal currents and monsoons in the East, Hong Kong waters nurtures a high variety of tropical and temperate marine life species, including various corals, fishes, marine mammals and seaweeds, etc.
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| Gorgonian | Cactus Coral | Russell’s Snapper | Blue Dorid Nudibranch | Butterfly fishes | Chinese White Dolphin | Finless Porpoise | Horseshoe Crab |
Estuarine Habitat
The western waters of Hong Kong have a unique marine environment. On one hand, they are affected by the freshwater runoff and sediments from the Pearl River, diluting the seawater and giving it a yellow hue. On the other hand, the current flows from the South China Sea. These two currents bring ample nutrients to the region, attracting marine mammals to live there.
Oceanic Habitat
The eastern waters of Hong Kong, influenced by the South China Sea, the Kuroshio Current, and the Taiwan Warm Current, are more oceanic. Unlike the estuarine waters in the west, this area maintains stable salinity and excellent clarity. These factors provide ideal conditions for coral reproduction, as well as supporting a diverse ecosystem of reef fish and marine invertebrates.
Habitat Diversity
Habitat is where organisms find shelter, food, and mates. Different species are adapted to different habitats, and some species migrate during their growth. There are many different coastal and marine habitats in Hong Kong waters, providing habitats for different species, forming complex ecosystems and rich biodiversity.