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HongKongEcho: The oyster odyssey on Hong Kong's shores
A mammoth restoration initiative is under way in the waters of Deep Bay, where natural oyster reefs once thrived.
Along the border with mainland China, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong is securing the future of Hong Kong’s natural oyster reefs in a bid to save a vital ecosystem.
A single oyster can filter 200 litres of water a day, creating healthy environments for seagrass, small fish, and other species.
Oyster farming has been part of the heritage of coastal communities in Lau Fau Shan for centuries, with local farmers harvesting their produce to be sold in Hong Kong and mainland China.
In the mud flats of Deep Bay, near Yuen Long, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong works with the University of Hong Kong to build pilot oyster reefs and study the biodiversity of the local marine habitat.
Modern oyster farms involve hanging oysters in water – a more efficient method than the traditional practice of placing concrete poles in mudflats.
Discarded shells from the aquaculture and restaurant industry are recycled to create the foundations of new natural reefs.
