Press Releases

Artificial reefs deployment off north Lantau
Tuesday, March 14, 2000

Ferro-cement vessels and container units are deployed as artificial reefs (ARs) off north Lantau Island as continued efforts in conserving the Chinese White Dolphin habitats in the territory.

The $8.2-million deployment project is initiated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with funding support from the Airport Authority and Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Speaking on the emplacement today (March 14), Senior Fisheries Officer, Mr Keith Wilson, said ARs would be established at Sha Chau/ Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and at seas off Chek Lap Kok where Chinese White Dolphins were frequently spotted.

A total of six deployment complexes will be created in an area of 13.8 hectares to the west of Sha Chau.

Every complex will be made up of ARs comprising four ferro-cement vessels and seven container units.

In Chek Lap Kok Marine Exclusion Zone, five deployment sites covering 6,125 square metres are selected and nine medium to large ferro-cement vessels will be sunk as AR structures.

Mr Wilson said the ARs deployed would enhance marine ecosystem and fishery resources of nearby areas.

"They serve to provide increased food resources for Chinese White Dolphins and help mitigate for disturbances caused to natural habitat by the construction of the airport's aviation fuel pipeline facility," he added.

The container units deployed as ARs are constructed from old cargo containers coated with concrete to increase their durability in marine environment.

The vessels deployed are each fabricated with piles of hollow concrete blocks.

"The additional structures will increase complexity and improve the performance of ARs. The nooks and crannies created will provide shelter and help developing fish nurseries," Mr Wilson said.

Sha Chau/ Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and Chek Lap Kok Airport Marine Exclusion Zone are protected areas where entry of vessels and commercial fishing are restricted.

Bottom trawling is prohibited in these areas.

Mr Wilson noted that the ARs deployed would act as "sleeping policemen" by physically preventing bottom trawling.

The deployment project, which commenced in the beginning of March, will be completed by the end of this month.