Rotary Buoys in Hoi Ha
With more species of coral than the Caribbean, Hong Kong attracts scuba divers from around the world and, since they have some of the most spectacular specimens, the Marine Park at Hoi Ha Wan is a favoured location.
Exploration of these corals is not without peril – for the marine environment is naturally a fragile one. Anchors dropped from dive boats can cause considerable damage to the coral and the heavier boats can cause even more harm to seabed life by dragging the anchor.
Rotarian and founding member of Friends of Hoi Ha, Dave Newbery persuaded Kowloon Rotary Club and Rotary District 3450 to sponsor the cost of four helix mooring anchors and associated buoys for the use of dive boats and scientific vessels in the waters of the Marine Park.
Although helix mooring spikes are more expensive
than traditional concrete blocks positioned precisely
Peter Wan, Immediate Past District Governor, Rotary Club |
amongst the coral outgrowths. They also have a smaller footprint and are more resistant to dragging.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) supervised and Oceanway Corporation (and local Sai Kunger, Paul Hodgson) put the buoys in place.
Thanks to the Rotarians, this project is a fine example of NGO/Government partnership to increase the potential for recreation, education and tourism in Hong Kong’s natural environment while, at the same time, ensuring that our fragile environment is sustained.
Settling the Helix |