Reef check finds healthy coral and high biodiversity

The government says this year’s annual reef check showed that local corals were generally in a healthy and stable condition, with relatively high biodiversity.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department made the announcement on Saturday following a five-month survey at 33 spots, including sites in marine parks such as Tung Ping Chau and Yan Chau Tong.

It said coral coverage varied from 10.4 percent to 82.9 percent at the sites.

Reef check divers recorded coral coverage of more than 50 percent at 15 sites, with Sharp Island North being the most coral-rich area.

Divers also measured the colour intensity of the reefs and concluded the corals were in a healthy and stable condition.

“The deeper the colour, the healthier the corals. The average health index of the sites was 4.15… which was similar to last year’s figure (4.31),” the department said.

“Coral bleaching was observed at a few sites but the impact was minor and localised.”

The department added the majority of the sites were found to be home to a diverse range of species.

All but one of the 20 assigned indicator species were spotted in the survey sites, with wrasses, butterfly fish, groupers and others being commonly found.