The programme aims to enhance public understanding of Hong Kong's marine conservation issues - such as environmental degradation, unsustainable harvesting and pollution - by organising interactive activities on 10 selected species.

The species are the brain coral, Chinese bahaba, Chinese white dolphin, green turtle, Hong Kong grouper, horseshoe crab, mudskipper, sea grass, purple sea urchin and yellow croaker.

All are found in Hong Kong waters and are threatened by pollution and fishing.

The competition's theme is Ocean's 10 and Marine Conservation. The contest is divided into three categories: primary school, secondary school and public.

The judging panel will select the winners based on how well the design matches the theme, as well as its creativity, artistic quality and capability to convey the message of marine conservation.

The deadline for submission is April 7.

The winning design in each category will be displayed on a bus to promote marine conservation to the general public.

Solomon Systech is the major sponsor of the competition.

The programme's ambassador, singer-actor Alex Fong Lik-sun, called for more concern over water pollution,

as Hong Kong waters have deteriorated sharply in recent years.

He also urged seafood-lovers to cut back on eating endangered marine species such as the humphead wrasse.

Young Post's Green Scene will begin a series of weekly stories next month to introduce the

10 species in detail, including their behaviour, habitat and why they are endangered.