HONG KONG - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has issued an urgent call for enhanced marine protection in Hong Kong, focusing on the preservation and restoration of endangered oyster reefs. This appeal comes as the city's government opens a two-month public consultation period for updating its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) by the end of 2025 [1][2][3].

Hong Kong's waters are home to a rich diversity of marine life, boasting over 5,900 species - more than a quarter of all marine species recorded in mainland China. However, conservation efforts in the marine environment have significantly lagged behind terrestrial initiatives [1][2][3].

Currently, only about 6% of Hong Kong's marine waters are protected, falling far short of the global target of 30%. Many ecologically crucial habitats, including oyster reefs - considered among the most endangered marine habitats globally - remain unprotected [1][2][3].

The TNC is urging the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to incorporate robust measures in the updated BSAP to protect and restore vital coastal ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on oyster reefs [1][2][3].

This call to action highlights the critical role of oyster reefs in maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. Oyster reefs provide essential habitats for various marine species and offer natural coastal protection against erosion and storm surges.

The public consultation period presents an opportunity for Hong Kong residents to voice their support for stronger marine conservation measures. As global efforts to protect marine ecosystems intensify, Hong Kong's response to this call could have significant implications for its marine biodiversity and coastal resilience.

The outcome of this consultation and the subsequent updates to the BSAP will be closely watched by conservationists and marine biologists worldwide, as it could set a precedent for urban marine conservation efforts in other coastal cities facing similar challenges.