Event Details

EMAHK is excited to bring together two speakers to share their experiences with enhancing biodiversity in the waters of Hong Kong.


Date: 29 June 2020 (Monday)

Time: 20:15 - 21:30



1) Enhancing marine biodiversity on seawalls with eco-engineered fixtures by Prof. Kenneth Leung


Reclamation and marine infrastructure projects often adopted vertical or riprap sloping seawalls as coastal defences against wave action, flooding and land erosion. However, these structures do not possess microhabitats that can be readily occupied and used by marine organisms as refuges and feeding grounds. Through integrating the knowledge of marine ecology and engineering, we can now design eco-friendly artificial structures to serve dual roles as coastal defences and functional ecosystems for enhancing marine biodiversity and ecosystem service. In this presentation, Prof. Leung will introduce some basic working principles of eco-engineered fixtures and draw examples from different parts of the world, including the World Harbour Project and ongoing trials in Hong Kong.



2) "Oysters Save Our Seas": An ecological restoration initiative in Hong Kong by Ms Grace Chau


Oysters, often overlooked as a mere delicacy, are 'eco-engineers' that provide ecosystem services crucial for a healthy marine environment. They can clean the seas through bio-filtration and form reefs that provide habitat for marine life while stabilising the shoreline against storms. However, centuries of exploitation and habitat degradation have made oyster reefs the most endangered marine habitat. 'Oysters Save Our Seas' project is an effort to restore oyster reefs in Hong Kong with the aim to improve Hong Kong's water quality and marine biodiversity. Learning from oyster restoration projects in New York and the Chesapeake Bay, the project engages diverse stakeholders and integrates ecological restoration, scientific research, STEM & environmental education, and public engagement to achieve its goal.



Format: Online forum by Zoom

Quota: 100 (priority given to EMAHK members)

Fee: Free of charge


Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84245701943?pwd=dVZhMUhlbjF6TFlJczZhQVc1Z3cwdz09


Meeting ID:842 4570 1943

Password:EMAHK0629

Agenda

8:15 PM - 8:30 PM
Registration
8:30 PM - 8:35 PM
Opening
8:35 PM - 9:00 PM
Enhancing Marine Biodiversity
9:00 PM - 9:20 PM
'Oysters Save Our Seas'
9:20 PM - 9:30 PM
Q&A

Speakers

  • Prof. Kenneth Leung

    Prof. Kenneth Leung

    Currently, Kenneth Leung is Professor at School of Biological Sciences in the University of Hong Kong. In August 2020, he will become Chair Professor at Department of Chemistry in City University of Hong Kong where he will also serve as the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution.

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  • Grace Chau

    Grace Chau

    Upon graduating from the MSc in Environmental Management programme in the University of Hong Kong, Grace Chau has joined the ‘Oysters Save Our Seas’ ecological restoration initiative as its project coordinator in 2019. She previously worked at Ocean Park Hong Kong as an education officer, where she developed a keen passion towards environmental education.

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Documents

2020 6 29 EMAHK Talk flyer.pdfdownload