Fish magnets:The artificial reefs will enhance local marine and fisheries resources.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has completed phase two of its artificial reef project at Outer Port Shelter, aimed at boosting the number of fish and fish species.

Phase one, completed in 1999, introduced 28,000 cubic metres of artificial reefs in Yau Chau Tong and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Parks. The number of fish species recorded in these artificial reefs increased from 40 in 1998 to more than 220 species in 2003 - including many highly valued species such as grouper, snapper, bream and sweetlips.

The department began the reef project in 1996 to enhance local marine and fisheries resources. Phase two introduced about 129,000 cubic metres of artificial reefs in two known spawning and nursery grounds, in Long Harbour and Outer Port Shelter.

Artificial reefs in Hong Kong waters are made of discarded vessels, used tires, concrete units and redundant marine structures.

In 2000, the department also deployed artificial reefs at Sha Chau/Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and seas off Chek Lap Kok to increase food resources in Chinese White Dolphin habitats.

A trial study was also started in April 2002 to use artificial reefs with biofilters to improve the water quality in Kau Sai fish culture zone.

So far, artificial reefs covering an area of about 168,000 cubic metres have been deployed within Hong Kong waters.