"To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing
ecoshoreline features (i.e., eco-engineered units) on artificial shorelines
to enhance marine biodiversity and ecosystem services."
We marked our success with the 2-year eco-shoreline trial. We are now on to the next stage with locally designed and manufactured features!
Project sites include Tuen Mun, Ma Liu Shui and Sai Kung to test out our feature at estuarine, transitional and oceanic water.
Compared to nearby rocky shores, there are only 65 species found on the boulders. Plus, there are lots of unique species living on our features including gastropods and malacostracans.
Oyster baskets, enhanced seawall panels, eco tiles, tide pools and ecological armouring units on artificial shorelines were installed.
Ecological Engineering
Hard Engineering
Enhancing biodiversity by altering the design of an artificial structure for installation on a shoreline.
In our project, enhanced seawall panels, concrete tile pools and ecological armouring units were deployed along sloping seawalls and vertical seawalls.
Soft Engineering
Reintroduction of natural shoreline features through biological means in order to increase biodiversity and the functions of ecological systems.
In our project, oyster baskets were implemented along shorelines.
How Does It Work?
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Artificial flat concrete seawalls have low habitat complexity, and high surface temperature, which makes it hard to harbor biodiversity due to heat stresses and weakening ecosystems.
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Eco-shoreline features welcome intertidal species back to coastlines by increasing microhabitats within the shoreline by grooves, holes, and ridges.
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Unique species were recorded on the eco-shoreline features, which suggested they provide special habitat for species to thrive.
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Some designs include the use of live native oysters and oyster shells that can encourage the attachment of marine flora and fauna and enhance water filtration.
