While many diners shell out plenty of cash for oysters as delicious seafood, not many people are aware that the molluscs have great value as “ecosystem engineers” able to filter out local waters and even stabilise shorelines.The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong, in partnership with the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) of the University of Hong Kong, hope to demonstrate oyster abilities with two pilot reefs in areas once famous for cultivated oyster beds.Using discarded shells and concrete pilings, the project is building artificial reefs at traditional oyster cultivation areas including Lau Fau Shan and Tolo Harbour in a bid to improve water quality and local ecosystems.

Source: Youtube