Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and
Innovation Research Unit (HKO-HIRU)
The University of Hong Kong
Why Hong kong needs an oyster hatchery?
Indispensable oyster production in Hong Kong and China
China is the largest oyster producer in the world accounting for more than 80% of production. As there is increasing human population growth and economic development, and consequently increasing seafood demand with limited fishery production, oyster aquaculture is a sustainable way to supply the expanding demand for seafood.
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One-third of the oysters produced in China are Hong Kong Oysters (Crassostrea hongkongensis), and it is the major species cultivated in South China and Hong Kong. It is one of the most important cultured oyster species with high market value of 1.5 - 1.8 billion US dollars. Products of the Hong Kong Oysters such as shucked, canned, dried, powder, calcium, and oyster sauce are very popular especially in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Cultural Heritage
Oyster culture is an important cultural heritage in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Oyster is endemic and named after Hong Kong, and has been cultivated in the deep bay area for more than 700 years. Inhabitants around the deep bay area have been strongly depending on the oyster industry in Hong Kong for protein. 119 tonnes (meat only) oysters were produced in Hong Kong with 15 million HKD value in 2020.
Industry in Danger
Oyster aquaculture in Hong Kong and South China are facing problems related to having insufficient supply of oyster seeds, this problem compounded with pollution and climate change has caused a serious decline in harvest and income of oyster farmers. As a result, many families have given up oyster farming, only about 60 families remain in Lau Fau Shan, and the oyster aquaculture industry in Hong Kong is facing danger.
There are two major problems in Hong Kong oyster aquaculture, a) Seed related problems b) Management problems and our hatchery provides solutions for both these aspects.
