Co-organized with The Nature Conservancy Habitat Management Works

Programme Highlights
Shellfish reefs are the most endangered marine habitat on the planet with an estimated 85 percent global loss. In nature, oysters naturally grow and accumulate on small reefs along intertidal mudflats, providing feeding grounds for unique species from shorebirds to tiny crabs. Deep Bay was once covered with these shellfish reefs, but centuries of human activities and development have greatly reduced this critical habitat.

If you have ever visited Pak Nai in Deep Bay, you may have noticed strange rows of oysters dotted along the shorelines of the mudflats. These vast rows of oyster clumps are actually abandoned oyster farms, and though the clumps are still alive, its unnatural configuration hinders the natural restoration of the environment. In addition, these man-made rows encroach on areas where the endangered horseshoe crab forage for food.

The now-abandoned oyster farms were built following a traditional method of planting concrete poles in concentrated rows where oysters can settle to and grow on. However, these farms have been abandoned for ten years and are no longer in use. To restore Pak Nai's natural shorelines, we will remove these poles and reconfigure them into more natural reefs. This will restore habitat for species to forage and increase biodiversity on the mudflats.

Activity Overview 
09:00-09:15 Welcome and on-site briefing (15 mins)
09:15-09:30 Eco-touring of biodiversity on Pak Nai mudflats (15 mins)
09:30-11:00 Reef reconfiguration (1.5 hrs)
11:00-11:30 Spartina removal or Aquaculture debris removal (30 mins)
11:30-12:00 Tidy up and wash off (30 mins)

Remarks
Participants should be physically able to do strenuous work such as lifting heavy materials under the sun.

Fee
Activity Fee: Free of charge (Participant should make their own arrangement for the transport to the gathering point at Pak Nai)

Parking Fee: HKD40 /private car/day

Language
Cantonese 

Registration & Enquiries
Registration is required. The number of participants is limited to 20. Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis and priority will be given to MMNC, SYEA & BlueTech members and their family members. For registration, please register online at (https://forms.gle/g9kzHwPC8A3go5h68 ). Successful applicants will be notified by email before the event. For enquiries, please contact Ir Karen LEONG via email:klkleong@connect.ust.hk