Reference No. /
Project Title |
Project Description |
Applicant Organisation |
Funded Amount (HK$) |
Completion Report |
MEEF2024010A
Developing a Non-Invasive Method to Estimate the Age of Chinese White Dolphins and Finless Porpoises Using the DNA Methylation Rate* |
This application is part of a multi-year project aimed at developing a non-invasive method to estimate the age of Chinese White Dolphins (CWDs) and Finless Porpoises (FPs) in Hong Kong waters. Age is critical information for the study and conservation of cetaceans. One conventional method of estimating the age of toothed whales is by counting dental growth layer groups, which is both highly invasive and time- and labor-consuming. This project aims to develop a non-invasive method to estimate age based on the DNA methylation rate. |
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
307,800
(For Year 25/26)
|
** |
MEEF2024012A
Exploring the Mystery of Chinese Bahaba in Hong Kong Western Waters Using Revolutionary eDNA Techniques* |
Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis) is a critically endangered fish species, recognized as a Class I protected wild animal in China. In the second phase of project, the project team propose using the environmental DNA (eDNA) approach as a rapid and non-invasive method to uncover the hidden population of Chinese Bahaba in Hong Kong’s western waters. Through intensive eDNA sampling in the western waters, the project team will utilize a targeted quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect Chinese Bahaba eDNA and trace its potential distribution, seasonality, and habitat preferences of Chinese Bahaba. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem can be gained by incorporating eDNA metabarcoding approach, which will provide insights into the species composition, interactions, and potential threats within the habitats associated with the Chinese Bahaba. |
Lingnang University |
312,440
(For Year 25/26) |
** |
MEEF2025001
Long-term Monitoring of Population Dynamics of Chinese White Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Lingding Bay of the Pearl River Delta Region: The Fourth Stage |
Building on the ongoing 2024-2025 vessel-based monitoring of Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) in Lingding Bay (LDB) of the Pearl River Delta region, this proposed new year-long programme will further investigate the latest population parameters of CWD by systematically examining their abundance, distribution patterns, and age composition, thereby allowing comparisons with previous findings from the 2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2024-2025 projects. Through the integration and expansion of an existing photo-identification (photo-ID) database, the study will refine public’s understanding of individual ranging patterns and assess fine-scale habitat use, including potential temporal shifts observed in recent years. The outcomes of this research will provide an updated scientific basis for formulating effective management and conservation strategies to be presented to relevant authorities, ultimately contributing to the long-term protection of the Pearl River Estuary CWD population. |
South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute (SCSFRI), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences |
999,000 |
** |
MEEF2025004
Ecological and Genetic Assessment of Marine Clams in Hong Kong to Promote Their Conservation and Sustainable Exploitation |
This project aims to bring together an ecological and genetic assessment of the soft shores’ clams of Western Hong Kong. The project team will assess the size, age, reproductive state, genetic diversity and connectivity of all available species which will uncover important missing information regarding the ecological dynamics and genetic diversity of intertidal clams. Globally, within-population genetic diversity loss has been recognized as one of the major threats to conservation. However, and despite the high unregulated exploitation, the current genetic diversity and ecological health of local Hong Kong clam populations are unknown. The sites targeted are subjected to public clam-digging which further exacerbates the threats faced by marine clams. Therefore, this work will provide critical data on the health of local clam communities and inform decision-makers and the wider community for implementing conservation and sustainable harvesting of marine clams in Hong Kong. |
The University of Hong Kong |
882,550
|
** |
MEEF2025005
Testing Probiotic Efficacy of a Promising Coral Endosymbiont in Mitigating Coral Stress Through Field Trials |
Microbial therapies are currently being explored as one of the main nature-based solutions for coral conservation. However, traditional probiotics are poorly retained in corals and probiotic treatments seem to require repeated and continuous inoculations during times of stress for the beneficial effects to be maintained. This project perform a 12-month field trial to test the probiotic efficacy of the target next-generation probiotic equipped with the highest denitrification activities on corals exposed to nitrate stress alone or to nitrate stress in conjunction with heat stress. Making use of the strong gradient of nitrate concentration along Hong Kong coastal waters, the project team will outplant the corals inoculated with the target next-generation probiotics at two sites with contrasting nitrate levels and collect outplanted corals before, during, and post the summer heat stress for measurements for coral physiology, transcriptome, and microbiome. |
The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
765,832 |
** |
MEEF2025007
Dive into Diversity: Hong Kong Marine Benthic Macroinvertebrate Citizen Scientist Training Program |
Marine benthic macroinvertebrates are diverse and widely found in various environments, playing a crucial role in their microhabitats and serving as important ecological indicators of water quality and environmental health. However, over the past twenty years, comprehensive studies on these organisms are lacking in Hong Kong, partially attributed to the limited public awareness of them and resulting in knowledge gap in benthic diversity and distribution in Hong Kong. This project aims to engage the public to participate as citizen scientists in underwater surveys at selected benthic invertebrate hotspots, working alongside a scientific team to collect diversity and distribution data on these organisms. Participants will first receive professional training covering knowledge about Hong Kong’s marine benthic macroinvertebrates, including their identification skill and ecological functions, as well as underwater survey methods. |
The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
746,400 |
** |
MEEF2025014
Advancing Ecoshoreline Resilience: Integrating Pioneering Technologies For Biodiversity and Supporting Coastal Habitat Conservation in Hong Kong |
This project will enhance coastal ecological surveys such as those for eco-shoreline surveys in Hong Kong using advanced technologies (remote sensing, high-resolution visual/audio tools, AI modelling) to improve automatic species recognition, enable long-term cost effective ecological assessments, and optimize management for resilience against environmental changes.
|
City University of Hong Kong |
888,000
|
** |
MEEF2025019
Embracing Our Tolo: Analyzing Fishery Landscape and Population Health of a Depleted Seascape |
Tolo Harbour and Channel (hereinafter “Tolo Seascape”) are rich in marine biodiversity, home to numerous endangered and important species such as the Hong Kong Grouper, Spotted Seahorse, and various hard corals. Despite its historical significance as an important fishing ground, decades of habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing have severely impacted its marine ecosystem, threatening fisheries and biodiversity. A recent study reported over 1,400 marine species have been recorded in Tolo Seascape, comprising 25% of Hong Kong’s total marine biodiversity, illustrating the ecological significance of this iconic seascape. This project aims to address some of the conservation challenges in Tolo Seascape through a multi-faceted approach that combines community engagement and scientific research.
|
WWF-Hong Kong |
765,700 |
** |
MEEF2025020
Using Soundscape Ecology to Study Marine Biodiversity and The Impacts that Sounds Have on the Marine Ecosystem in Hong Kong |
This project aims to investigate how anthropogenic underwater noise impacts the behaviour and distribution of Hong Kong’s two resident cetacean populations and their prey before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study of acoustic relationships between organisms and their environment, called soundscape ecology, is increasingly being used as a tool for evaluating biodiversity and biological monitoring in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The assessment of soundscapes is especially useful for understanding communication, navigation, and predator-prey interactions, as well as being able to provide biodiversity indices of different parts of a habitat or ecosystem. |
The University of Hong Kong |
718,536
|
** |
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