A woman stands in shallow water amongst a large cluster of oyster shells.
Oyster reef in U.S. where Hong Kong conservationists learned best practices. © Grace Chau

Our Priorities

3 Things You Can Do to Help HK’s Reefs

Hong Kong’s reefs have been in decline for decades, thanks to commercial dredging, pollution, and overharvesting. This has left us with dirtier waters, more vulnerable beaches and coastlines, and traditional communities full of uncertainty.

Here are three things you can do to help turn things around for HK’s reefs, waters, and the communities who have long depended on them.

1. Volunteer. Rebuilding oyster reefs is hard and messy work, but it’s also very rewarding. Next time I invite you to pitch in for a volunteer day, sign up and show up to do your part!

2. Bring a group of friends and family out to TNC’s Hong Kong Oyster Reefs Exhibit at Ap Tsai Hang in Pak Nai to learn the conservation science behind rebuilding oyster reefs and the important role oysters play in some of HK’s traditional communities. 

3. Eat locally sourced oysters. HK’s oysters are among the most delicious, and by choosing this local delicacy, you support local traditional communities while keeping your carbon footprint down (by not eating imported seafood unnecessarily).

 

It takes a lot of work, good science and investment to rebuild oyster reefs. But at TNC’s reef restoration sites around the world, we’ve proven that once oyster reefs are rebuilt—and protected from further harm—they start providing benefits again quickly. From cleaner and clearer waters to safer coastlines, our scientists feel confident the reefs we’re rebuilding here should have a positive effect quite soon.

A large pile of oyster shells in front of a blue boat.
Discarded oyster shells are collected and used as the substrate for new oyster reefs in Hong Kong. © Kaming Cheung/TNC

Learn more about TNC’s oyster restoration work in Hong Kong.