Twelve Marine Ecology and Fisheries Projects Granted Nearly HK$11 Million from AAHK-Established Independent Funds

(Hong Kong, 29 July 2026, 1100hrs) – The independent Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund (MEEF) and the Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF), founded by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), have granted nearly HK$11 million to 12 projects in FY2026/27, supporting innovative research and initiatives that advance marine ecology conservation and sustainable fisheries development in Hong Kong.

Under the MEEF, approximately HK$6.4 million has been granted to nine projects. These projects focus on innovative approaches to marine conservation, including developing an AI-enabled platform for ghost-net detection, investigating the role of seagrass meadows in climate regulation, studying the population and movement ecology of horseshoe crabs, using a Welfare Assessment Tool for Sousa chinensis to conduct a systematic health analysis of the Chinese White Dolphins, among others. 

Under the FEF, three projects received approximately HK$4.2 million. They include establishing a continuous survey programme to improve the understanding of fishing vessel production and the fisheries resource conditions in Hong Kong, organising study visits to modern aquaculture bases and eco-fishing villages in Fujian and Guangdong to facilitate knowledge exchange and industry transformation, and restoring Chinese Bahaba populations in Lantau waters through introduction of hatchery-produced juveniles, trial culture, and stock enhancement releases.

Applications for the MEEF and FEF are assessed and selected by independently operated management committees based on criteria including the proposed projects’ objectives, past performance, methodology, manpower, resources and budget. The management committees comprise scholars and experts from relevant disciplines, together with representatives from green groups and fishermen’s associations, who also monitor the progress and outcomes of funded projects.

The MEEF and FEF are independent funds established by AAHK in 2016 to enhance the local marine environment, marine ecology and fisheries resources. AAHK has injected a total of HK$400 million into the two funds. Since their establishment, the funds have granted approximately HK$123 million to support marine ecology and fisheries projects that contribute to the conservation of Hong Kong’s marine and fisheries environment.