Marine treasures on show

Judy Cui

The Airport Authority yesterday unveiled Treasures in Western Waters, an exhibition showcasing its marine conservation efforts that will run until June.

Speaking at the exhibition's kick-off ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan highlighted the city's rich marine biodiversity. He noted that Hong Kong nurtures over 6,000 marine species, including Chinese white dolphins - Grade 1 National Key Protected Species - and finless porpoises.

Tse pointed out that the government has designated three new marine parks over the past five years, expanding Hong Kong's protected marine habitats by 1.5 times to 8,500 hectares. North Lantau Marine Park, the largest among them, plays a crucial role in preserving the core habitat of the Chinese white dolphin, he added.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said authorities have prioritized environmental protection in the development of the airport.

She noted that the North Lantau Marine Park was officially established when the Three-Runway System was completed last year.

She added that the Airport Authority has established a conservation fund and placed reefs, oyster reefs, fish fry and specific marine species in the waters near the artificial island.