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Shell to Hotels: Building micro-habitats with oyster shells for the rehabilitation of marine biodiversity.

More than just a beloved delicacy, oysters are ‘ecosystem engineers’ that provide ecosystem services crucial for a healthy marine environment. Not only can they clean our seas through biofiltration, but they can also form reefs that provide habitat for marine life and protect our shoreline against storms. However, with 85% of oyster reefs lost globally, we need to save our oysters first, so that they can save our seas. The Oyster SOS project engages diverse stakeholders (academics, government officials, oyster & fish farmers, educators, NGOs, religious groups, etc.) and integrates ecological restoration, scientific research, STEM & conservation education, and public engagement to achieve this goal. As a leader in water sports, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is well recognised for its commitment towards protecting the marine environment while educating and inspiring its members on marine conservation. At the core of what we do, a healthy marine environment is indispensable. Given the Club’s position at Kellett Island, Middle Island, and Shelter Cove, RHKYC and HKMEA believe by synergizing our strengths, we can help create a healthy and thriving marine environment for organisms and people to enjoy.

Initial plans to deploy cages of live oysters and oyster shells in RHKYC's shores in Kellett Island, Middle Island, and Shelter Cove for a 12 -to-18-month monitoring period were suspended given disruptions from social unrests and the various Covid related hurdles in the years that followed. Despite the frustrations and delays, all were not halted. The Club continued to engage members in a variety of educational and fun activities relating to oysters.

Maximum 4 persons per group. One oyster chain per group.

Join us on February 19 for talks on oyster reef importance and biodiversity and a workshop on Oyster shell strings fabrication.

The program will include check points every month on the strings after deployment. Please see program timeline as below:

Feb 19: Launch of the Oyster Programme
Timings: 30 minutes talk on oyster shell strings. Then One hour drilling of the oyster shells plus assembly into the oyster strings, and finally 30 minutes to deploy the oyster shell strings at the Pontoon. 
First session: 1000hrs to 1200hrs
Second session: 1400hrs to 1600hrs
Sports Bar and Bowling Alley for introduction and Boatyard for drilling

March 25: First month checkpoint at the Pontoon

April 22: Second month checkpoint at the Pontoon

May 20: Third and final month checkpoint at the Pontoon