HK CORAL REEFStoration Project to Rescue & Rehabilitate Local Coral

The CORAL REEFStoration Project is making waves in coral conservation with the inauguration of a novel rehabilitation facility: the CORAL REEFStoration Centre at Ocean Park. This summer, the Centre opens its doors to the public for guided tours, interactive STEAM experiments, and a host of educational activities.

A success story in technological innovation meeting conservation, the project employs the world's first 3D-printed terracotta reef tiles to restore Hong Kong's local coral reefs. The Project's three-year plan includes rebuilding 20 square meters of the reef at Middle Island, an area in Hong Kong's southern waters.

Archireef's Co-Founder, Dr David M. Baker, notes the decline of local coral communities, with the population rate dwindling from 75% to less than 16%. To date, 7.5 square meters of reef tiles have been successfully deployed, and over 120 rescued coral fragments have been safely relocated to the Centre.

The public is also encouraged to be a part of the initiative’s marine ecosystem conservation. Now open to visitors, the Centre offers Coral Lectures and STEAM experiments that uncover the crucial role corals play in marine ecosystems and their challenges.

The neighbouring Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong will also offer immersive activities for guests, such as guided snorkelling expeditions in Ocean Park’s Grand Aquarium.

Through the 3D-printed reef tile solution, the Project seeks to restore the survival rate, with a goal of reaching over 95%, alongside a coral growth rate of 50%. The Project hopes to bring these corals to reproductive maturity within 3 to 5 years, creating millions of new coral larvae annually and revitalizing Hong Kong's beautiful natural reefs.