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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (November 30) that the Reef Check in Hong Kong has continued to yield encouraging results this year, showing that local corals are generally in a healthy and stable condition and exhibit a rich diversity of fauna species.
Hong Kong Reef Check 2013, a four-month exercise starting from June, covered the marine areas in the eastern part of Hong Kong extending from Tung Ping Chau in the north to the Ninepin Group in the south, including a number of sites of ecological importance. Among the 33 survey sites, nine are within the Hoi Ha Wan, Yan Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau marine parks.
A variation in coral coverage, ranging from 20 per cent to 78.1 per cent, was recorded among the survey sites. Twenty sites, including all those in the marine parks, recorded high coral coverage (above 50 per cent). Among all sites, Coral Beach at Hoi Ha Wan recorded the highest coral coverage of 78.1 per cent.
Most of the sites were found to have high species diversity in the survey. All of the 20 assigned indicator species were recorded. Wrasses, groupers, butterfly fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and cowries were species commonly found in the survey sites. Most of the groupers, sweetlips, snappers and wrasses were found in survey sites at Port Shelter and north-eastern waters including the three marine parks.
Coral Watch has been included in the Reef Check since 2005 to enhance the monitoring of coral health status. By measuring the colour intensity of the coral using a specially designed Coral Health Monitoring Chart, the health condition of corals can then be determined.
Corals at eight sites were assessed using the Coral Watch tool in Reef Check 2013. The average health index is 4.23 (ranging from 3.55 to 5). The results are similar to those of last year (4.13). The average health index is well above the general average value (3), indicating corals were in healthy and stable condition.
Coral bleaching and some coral damage were observed at a few sites but the impact was minor and localised.
Fifty dive teams comprising more than 580 volunteer divers from different sectors of the community took part in the Reef Check this year. The AFCD awarded souvenirs and certificates to the reef check teams and the participating scientists to recognise their contributions.
The Hong Kong Reef Check is part of the global programme to promote sustainable management of coral reefs. The first Reef Check was held by the Hong Kong Reef Check Foundation in 1997. The AFCD has collaborated with the Foundation to conduct the survey since 2000.
Hong Kong Reef Check's survey method and data collection follow international standards. Reef Check divers recorded the indicator species (including 20 fishes and invertebrates), coral coverage and health status. The data helps assess the coral condition and fauna diversity of a coral reef ecosystem over time.
Corals form a highly productive system that supports various marine organisms by providing them food and shelter. The AFCD will continue to organise Reef Check activities to collect important information necessary for devising conservation and management measures to protect the precious corals as well as to raise public awareness on the ecological importance of corals and the need for coral conservation.
Ends/Saturday, November 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:15
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