Project Team: Professor Wai-Fung LAM, Dr. Winnie LAW, Ms. Katie CHICK, Mr, Tai HU, Ms. Daisy YEUNG, Dr, Jessica Marie WILLIAMS
Research Collaborators: Dr. Billy HAU, Professor Bayden RUSSELL, Professor Thiyagarajan VENGATESEN
Background
Since 2007, MTR has been responsible for managing and maintaining the Lok Ma Chau (LMC) Wetland, creating a good habitat for various species and sustaining biodiversity. It provides habitat for globally threatened bird species, including the black-faced spoonbill and yellow-breasted bunting.
With its comprehensive enhancement approach, the management of LMC Wetland has received recognition from environmental groups. Given its scale, accessible location, and diverse ecological value of the LMC Wetland, it reflects its potential to promoting sustainable development in Hong Kong.
In 2023, a collaboration between MTR Corporation and the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at HKU was established with the aim of unlocking the sustainability potential of the Lok Ma Chau (LMC) Wetland. A strategy that goes beyond environmental management has been proposed to create blended values that benefit the society at large.
Vision
Nature-based Solution (NbS)
NbS harnesses the power of nature in addressing various social challenge through utilising well-functioning ecosystems and their ecological services. Our initiatives aim to improve habitats by cultivating aquatic species at different trophic levels.
Regenerative Production
Regenerative Production is a set of production principles that actively restore habitats, increase biodiversity. We apply the regenerative production principle in agriculture or aquaculture to enhance various ecosystem services.
Social Innovation
Social innovation is about collaborating with the community and stakeholders on new ways to tackle societal challenges. It values local and traditional knowledge to ensure sustainable and community-centered outcomes.
Integrated Multi-Trophic Agro-Aquacuulture (IMTAA) Prototype Model
This initiative combines research, prototyping, monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management to ensure long-term success.
We customise an IMTAA model, which incorporates aquaculture species (fish & shrimps) production with farming of low-trophic species (mussels) and primary producers (hydroponic crops, aquatic plants, and macroalgae).
The system mimics nature’s way of recycling nutrients, and creates a balanced environment for multiple species. The system helps restore aquatic ecosystem health, enhance circularity, and regenerate productivity, while meeting conservation objectives.
Utilizing the Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), each tank is designed to provide a sheltered and controlled environment for the hatching and nursing of fish and shrimp fry. These fry are subsequently used to restock fishponds within the LMC Wetland and serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Water drawn from the wetland is filtered, aerated and disinfected before returning to the tanks. The RAS can reduce water consumption and eutrophication, as well as remotely monitor water quality parameters, enabling swift and informed actions to optimize water conditions and enhance system performance.
The nursery was established to provide a reliable source of local wetland plants to support habitat management at the LMC Wetland, with potential application to other managed wetlands in Hong Kong.
The nursery operates on an aquaponic design, which collects excessive nutrients from the hatchery and transforms it into nutrient-rich water to support plant growth. Acting as a biofiltration system, the aquaponic setup harnesses the power of microorganisms and plants to absorb discharge generated from aquaculture, converting it into nutrients for plants.
Different floating wetlands prototypes are deployed to offer various ecosystem services, such as improving water quality, providing feeding ground and shelter, and providing educational opportunities.
The modular design enables easy transportation, installation, and adaptation to various sizes and shapes, making replication at other locations highly feasible. The sturdy design also serves as an excellent foundation for anchoring smart devices, for example, solar panels, aerators, water sensors, and infrared cameras — enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of wetland management.
Freshwater mussels have a vital role in ecosystems. They act as biofilters that enhance water quality by removing algae, suspended particles and excessive nutrients. They promote wetland biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various wildlife animals.
The two freshwater mussels we added to the ponds:
- Chinese pond mussel (Sinanodonta woodiana) is a freshwater mussel native to East Asia. It was once widespread in Hong Kong's muddy-bed streams, freshwater fishponds, and reservoirs, but its distribution is now in decline.
- Triangle sail mussel (Sinohyriopsis cumingii) is endemic to China. It is a major species used in freshwater pearl aquaculture and is also employed to improve water quality in aquaculture systems. This species is also recognised as a Chinese herbal medicine.
Stakeholder Engagement
We identified key stakeholders and engaged with them throughout the process, soliciting comments and advice. The participatory process helps us build trust with stakeholders and nurture potential collaborators for medium- or long-term partnership.
We launched the Pilot Wetland Nursery Programme on Campus. The programme has successfully engaged over 50 junior secondary school students from five different schools. Through lectures, field visits, and hands-on cultivation and monitoring of wetland plants, students received a comprehensive learning experience to understand wetland ecology. Students’ cultivation efforts have now been transplanted into the LMC Wetland, supporting its sustainable development.
