Three-runway System Project: Deployment of Artificial Reef Units

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is implementing Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy. AAHK is evaluating the feasibility of introducing artificial reef units to the future North Lantau Marine Park by deploying 100 artificial reef units in a designated  marine area to the west of the airport in June and July 2021, and conducting a year-long monitoring exercise and analysis.

A new marine park comprising an area of approximately 2 400 hectares, which is the largest in Hong Kong history, will be designated in North Lantau waters before the completion of Three-runway System project in 2024, conserving the marine environment in the vicinity. The pilot study is conducted as part of the implementation of AAHK’s Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy, to help enhance the marine ecological value and fisheries resources of North Lantau waters.

Each artificial reef unit measures about 52 to 90cm in diameter and weighs between 56kg and 180kg. The units are hollow and made of microsilica concrete, with rough surfaces and holes of varying sizes in order to mimic natural coral reefs. The project team also seeded live oysters on some of the units to further promote the settlement and growth of marine organisms.

The design and positioning of reef units are meticulously planned by taking currents, waves, seabed conditions and stability during inclement weather into consideration, with a view to minimising the risk of displacement or subsidence of the reef units.

As the seabed in the western waters of Hong Kong International Airport is generally composed of soft mud, extra support is provided to the artificial reef by adding bamboo mats and footings underneath each unit.

AAHK will review the results in mid-2022.

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