Sixteen Marine Ecology and Fisheries Projects Granted Over HK$16 Million from Independent Funds

(Hong Kong, 24 July 2025, 1130hrs) – The independent Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF) and Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF) have granted over HK$16 million to 16 projects in FY2025/26.

Under the MEEF, about HK$6.4 million has been granted to nine projects. They include tracking the potential distribution of the critically endangered Chinese Bahaba in Hong Kong western waters; assessing the ecological and genetic diversity of marine clams on the soft shores of western Hong Kong; testing the probiotic efficacy of a promising coral endosymbiont in mitigating coral stress through field trials; analysing fishery landscapes and population health of a depleted seascape; and more.

Under the FEF, seven projects will receive a total of more than HK$10 million. They cover subjects including the application and evaluation of nanobubble technology to restore sediment layers beneath Hong Kong’s marine fish farms; exploring the feasibility of cultivating tomato hind (Cephalopholis sonnerati) in Hong Kong waters; the enhancement of local fishery resources through scientific release and breeding of fish fry; a survey programme for the production of fishing vessels in Hong Kong waters; promoting the cultivation industry for nine-hole abalone and greenlip abalone; and others.

Applications for the MEEF and FEF are assessed and chosen by independently operated management committees based on criteria including the proposed projects’ objectives, past performance, methodology, manpower, resources and budget. The management committee comprises scholars and experts from related fields as well as representatives from green groups and fishermen’s associations, who will also monitor the progress and outcomes of funded projects.

The MEEF and FEF are independent funds set up to enhance the local marine environment, marine ecology and fisheries resources. AAHK injected a total of HK$400 million into the MEEF and FEF, which have granted approximately HK$112 million to support marine ecology and fisheries projects since establishment in 2016.