The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

“Oysters Save Our Seas” (Oyster SOS): An Outreach Initiative for Coastal Ecosystem Restoration
ID:1422 Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 10:40 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 66 - Ecosystem Restoration and Nature-based Solutions

Abstract
Our previous research has shown that installing oyster shells on artificial seawalls can substantially enhance marine biodiversity and key ecosystem functions, including biofiltration. Building on this evidence, we launched the “Oysters Save Our Seas” project (Oyster SOS) in Hong Kong in partnership with the Hong Kong Marine Ecological Association. In Oyster SOS, we engage teachers and students from local schools through seminars, hands-on workshops, and structured experiments. Participants learn oyster biology and ecology, and the ecological benefits of deploying oyster shells as a form of eco-engineering. They also prepare oyster-shell collars, deploy them along artificial seawalls, and monitor the development of associated biological communities over time. This process helps students discover marine species that are new to them and gain firsthand insight into how oyster-based substrates can support biodiversity restoration. To date, Oyster SOS has engaged over 2,000 students and deployed more than 1,000 oyster-shell collars. In this talk, I will share our project journey and discuss strategies for engaging donors and corporate partners to support scalable conservation education. We hope Oyster SOS can be extended to other parts of the world, turning urban coastal cities into biodiversity learning hubs that cultivate a new generation of nature lovers for ocean sustainability.
 
Speaker
Leung Kenneth City University of Hong Kong;State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health

Author
Leung Kenneth City University of Hong Kong;State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027