Every organism in ocean plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem. Although Hong Kong has a beautiful sea that is rich in biodiversity, the problems of marine debris, overfishing and pollution have put many species at the brink of extinction.
In the exciting race “RUN FOR SURVIVAL”, participants assume the role of either a Marine Animal struggling for survival, or a Conservationist bearing the responsibility for protecting Marine Animals. During the race, you will encounter different obstacles such as marine debris and pollutants. Ocean Killers will stand in the way and snatch the life flags from Marine Animals, while only Conservationists can repel their attacks. Being surrounded by dangers, can you overcome all the difficulties and reach the Marine Reserve 6.6 km away?
Ocean Killers will try to snatch the 2 life flags at your waist. Also be aware of the obstacles you encounter on the way, like marine debris and pollutants. Your goal is simple: get to the Marine Reserve 6.6 km away with at least 1 life flag remaining. A “Survivor Certificate” will be issued to Marine Animals who reach the Marine Reserve with at least one life flag intact. Others will receive a “Certificate of Completion – Marine Animal”.
You can get one extra flag by answering a simple conservation question correctly at the “Animal Rescue Centre”. Learning the conservation information in this site may save your life.
Fishermen catch them for their meat, eggs and shell for making accessories like bracelets and combs. Entanglement and ingestion of marine debris cause death too
They are living in the western waters of Hong Kong. Yet, habitat loss, high speed vessels and fishing net entanglement have been threatening their survivorship, resulting in a continuous population decline
“Living fossils” that have existed on earth even before the appearance of dinosaurs. Due to coastal developments and pollutions, they are losing their habitats. The number of local juvenile horseshoe crabs has dropped drastically
They are living in the eastern and southern waters of Hong Kong with only 200 individuals remaining. Their population is declining due to high speed vessels and net entanglements
A more common seahorse species in Hong Kong. Seahorses are threatened by habitat destruction due to marine pollutions and coastal developments. They are also overexploited for uses in traditional medicine
* According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species
While on the way to the Marine Reserve, you also have to seize the arm badges from Ocean Killer to stop them from attacking the Marine Animals. The more badges you get, the more Marine Animals you save.
A “Conservation Hero Certificate” will be issued to Conservationists who obtain 5 or more Ocean Killer arm badges when they reach the Marine Reserve. Others will receive a “Certificate of Completion - Conservationist”.
You can use the shortcut after answering a simple conservation question correctly at the “Animal Rescue Centre”. Learning the conservation information in this site may help you to reach the Marine Reserve sooner.
Many marine debris starts out on land as litter like plastic bags on beaches and streets. The litter can be washed or blown into the sea
Read the code of conduct for dolphin watching before joining any dolphin watching tours. Please follow the code strictly
Join coastal clean-up activities at beaches and mudflats proactively
Avoid letting untreated chemicals like shampoo and sunscreen enter the sea directly when engaging in water activities, that may result in marine pollution or coral bleaching
Do not consume and buy any products of threatened species such as seahorse or horseshoe crab
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Corporate Team*, Individual, and Family Team
2nd to 5th top fundraisers in Individual and Family Team
Corporate Team
Individual Time Challenge Group Male and Female Champions (With at least 1 life flag remaining)
Individual Time Challenge Group Champion (Obtain at least 3 Ocean Killer arm badges)
Marine ecosystem is comprised of an interdependent food chain; any missing component could lead to a breakdown of the ecosystem. For example, cownose ray has become more abundant due to overfishing of sharks which usually prey on them. Consequently, with the arrival of more rays, the population of scallop declines. Not only was the ecosystem impacted, some century-old fisheries have closed as well. Learn more about the marine issues and solutions in order to help conserve biodiversity. Let’s step up for our ocean!
Glass shards, cigarette butts, various plastic products and "ghost nets" (fishing nets or gears abandoned in the ocean) are all common marine debris in Hong Kong. Fish and seabirds may swallow such pieces of trash; ghost nets may kill the marine animals that are not able to disentangle themselves. The pollutants can also accumulate in the food chain, posing potential long term threats to the environment.
The seafood consumption per capita in Hong Kong is second only to the Maldives in Asia in 2010? Due to large scale and intense fishing practices, as well as unregulated fishing activities, many marine animals have seen a significant drop in numbers. Scientists predicted that global major commercial fisheries could collapse within 35 years!
Unprocessed sewage discharged affects the water quality. Heavy metal and organic pollutants could accumulate inside marine organisms and enter the food chain. Besides, oil spill causes loss of feeding and flying ability of sea birds. Some animals may swallow the oil and get poisoned. Hong Kong water has experienced red tides a few times and caused the death of many marine lives.