Harbour life reflects the tide of progress
- Study of magnificent Hong Kong landmark finds surprising number of corals and other marine species, thanks to cleaner water
Flanked by iconic skyscrapers and landmarks, Victoria Harbour has long been the symbol of Hong Kong’s prosperity and vitality.
But little did we know that the once heavily polluted sea has gradually evolved into a vibrant habitat for corals and other marine life, apparently thanks to prolonged government efforts in cleaning up the water.
According to an underwater survey by City University, the harbour is home to 35 coral species, including black coral, stony coral and octocoral species identified in five areas. Other marine life found includes scallops, festive sea slugs and double-ended pipefish.
The findings come as a pleasant surprise to many who often associate the harbour with being nothing more than a magnificent city backdrop.
The research team is to be commended for its efforts in charting the unknown waters so to speak. For all its fame and beauty, the harbour has never been surveyed for coral growth.
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour home to more than 30 coral species: researchers
The project involved scuba-diving in seven natural coastlines and five artificial breakwaters along two sides of the harbour. After two years of study, corals were identified in five sites, including Cape Collinson Lighthouse in Chai Wan, Green Island off the coast of Kennedy Town, Fat Tong Chau in Tseung Kwan O and Devil’s Peak in Yau Tong.
It is believed that the government’s multibillion-dollar harbour sewage treatment project over the past decade has paid off.
Our undersea world is by no means as scenic as that of the Great Barrier Reef. But the wealth of marine life found in Hong Kong waters, as documented on the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department website, is testament to our rich biodiversity.
Some 900 recreational divers took part in an annual reef check event and about 33 sites were successfully surveyed each year, according to the department.
While it is difficult to imagine Victoria Harbour becoming a popular diving site along those in Sai Kung, the thought of a burgeoning oasis beneath simply adds to the delight.
From the return of cross-harbour swimming and rowing competitions to more marine life, the city has come a long way in fostering a better living environment.
It shows that with sound environmental policies and sustainable efforts, Hong Kong can become a more liveable city.
