Protecting Marine Biodiversity and Conservation --Guided-Tour to South Lantau Marine Park (Soko Islands) Successfully concluded

On Saturday, 16 May 2026, Surein Foundation’s one-day Marine Park and Rural Conservation Programme was successfully concluded, attended by 45 members of the public. Despite unstable weather and choppy waves, the voyage was calm and peaceful, thanks to the coxwain’s tactful steering and control of the vessel. This environmental educational function was the 11^th of its kind for 2026. The objective was to promote marine biodiversity and conservation.

The Foundation was privileged to have many expert advisors and speakers -- Dr. Ivan Chan Kwok‑kuen, Marine Conservation Officer of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, presented an interesting talk on Chinese dolphins. Mr Chan Nai Koon, former senior fisheries officer of AFCD, and Dr Wong Fook Yee, formerly assistant director of AFCD, presented talks on their respective areas of expertise, and conducted guided tours on Soko Islands. Mr To Ka Yan, formerly lecturer of Education University HK, prepared detailed maps and aerial photographs showing the changing land use, vegetation and human geography on Soko Islands.

Although dolphins were out of sight, due probably to unfavourable weather, the lighthouse above Fan Lau was notable, as was the amazing blue-yellow diving line formed by ocean and river waters of the South China Sea and Pearl River Estuary respectively.

Volunteers of Surein Foundation also carried out a beach cleaning exercise while weather conditions permitted. Some 30 kg of beach rubbish, comprising plastic bottles, bags, wooden and foam- rubber boxes, were collected. It is hoped that friends of Surein Foundation contribute to reducing environmental pollution and minimising the deadly impact of microplastics on marine life.

This Function was partially supported by the “Environment and Conservation Fund” of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, to whom the Foundation is most grateful.  Surein Foundation is most grateful to Dr. Ivan Chan, Dr Wong Fook Yee, Mr Chan Nai Koon, and Mr To Ka Yan for their professional inputs and contributions. The Foundation also thanks Surein Volunteers who had helped organise this project in many ways, including logistics support and first-aid duties.

On the way to the Soko Islands, Dr Ivan Chan, Marine Conservation Officer, AFCD, shared his rich experience in protection of the habitat of Chinese dolphins in Hong Kong waters.

A group picture taken near the Pier, Sai Wan, Tai A Chau, before exploring the Island for bio species and geographical features.

Dr Wong sharing his rich experience on ecology and vegetation of Tai A Chau, Soko Islands.

Tai A Chau beach was littered with plastic bags, bottles and foam boxes. They are threats to sustainable marine life.

30 kg of rubbish were collected in the beach area.

(ends)