August 3, 2007

Reef Check Hong Kong Celebrates 10 Years of Reef Check

Submitted by Reef Check Hong Kong coordinator Keith Kei

On June 7th, Reef Check Hong Kong launched its 2007 survey season with a special ceremony, as this year also marks the 10th anniversary of Reef Check in Hong Kong. Reef Check Hong Kong once again teamed up with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Government for this year’s Reef Check survey. Dr. Wong Fook-yee, Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Prof. Paul K.S. Lam, Chairman of the Marine Parks Committee were the guests for the opening ceremony. They joined more than 250 volunteer divers for the celebration. 

 
Thirty-six teams from local universities, dive shops, NGOs, private enterprises and government departments will survey 33 Reef Check sites in Hong Kong from June to the end of October 2007. Each team will be given a set of survey materials including the methodology, charts, as well as a 10th anniversary survey manual. Team Scientists and Team Leaders who have been helping Reef Check for more than 5 years will be presented with souvenirs in order to give thanks for their participation. 
 
Reef Check Hong Kong is in the process of setting up its status as a Charitable Organization in order to promote coral reef conservation through education. Coordinator Keith Kei hopes to extend their work to China in the second half of 2007.
 
Links for HK RC 2007:
 
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_cor/con_mar_cor_hkrc/con_mar_cor_hkrc1.html
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Dr. Wong Fook-yee, Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Keith Kei, Reef Check Hong Kong coordinator
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