SDG 14: Life below water 

47 related courses were offered in the 2021-22 academic year. 

From 2018 to 2022, HKUST published 220 research papers related to marine sustainability and marine ecosystems.  

Dual Master Program in Global Marine Resources Management 

In November 2022, HKUST and the University of Southampton jointly launched the Dual Master Program in Global Marine Resources Management. This cross-continental program provides students with a multicultural learning experience, combining expertise from both universities. By addressing the blue economy and sustainable use of ocean resources, the program aims to train professionals capable of tackling complex issues in marine resources management. Graduates will have qualifications from both institutions, paving the way for further studies and career opportunities in marine science and environmental conservation. The partnership strengthens academic alliances and establishes a platform for future collaborations in research and education. 

Monitoring and Sharing Marine Data with WavyOcean 

Prof. Gan Jianping and his team developed and launched the WavyOcean app, an interactive marine environment visualization platform, which provides extensive data on the ocean in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, the entire China Seas, and the Western Pacific Ocean. This platform, based on advanced oceanic numerical simulations, offers visualizations of oceanic processes and provides physical and biogeochemical data for studying marine hydrodynamics, hazards, pollution, ecosystems, and climate change. The platform aims to support marine research, inform policy-making on marine conservation and societal development, and increase public awareness of the significance of ocean protection.  

WavyOcean App utilizes state-of-the-art oceanic numerical simulations to visualize oceanic processes and provides physical and biogeochemical ocean data for marine research and conservation purposes.  

Blue Marine Economy Summit

Our Department of Ocean Science, the operators of The Ocean Research Facility (OCRF), organized the Blue Marine Economy Summit, aiming to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government to promote education, technology, and economic growth related to the blue economy. By bringing together stakeholders from different sectors, HKUST seeks to stimulate sustainable development and preserve the biodiversity and well-being of marine life. 

HKUST X France One Ocean Conference 2022 

On 20 May 2022, HKUST and the Consulate General of France jointly organized the HKUST X France One Ocean Conference 2022 to address the pressing challenges facing our oceans. The conference brought together experts from academia, business, and civil society to discuss tangible actions for ocean sustainability, focusing on the preservation of marine life and blue finance.  

HKUST’s goal is to create food and dining facilities and services that provide clean, healthy, environmentally responsible food offerings that reflect our campus sustainability vision and mission. Our Sustainable Catering Policy applies equally to HKUST managed caterers and caterers who supply services for one-time events on campus and requires campus caterers to utilize the WWF-Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood and not offer any species that are listed in the “Avoid” category. 

To promote responsible water usage among on campus residents, we installed water-saving smart showerheads equipped with water-powered LED lights that change color based on water usage. 

The Beach Cleanup @HKUST event held by HKUST Connect addressed the issue of marine pollution and promoted community involvement in protecting the marine environment. Through this service, volunteers gained awareness of the irreversible consequences of marine pollution, and the importance of the general public to working hand in hand to protect our marine environment. 

The EcoFish Series showcases local fishponds farming freshwater fish in Hong Kong and aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. The event highlighted the sustainability of local fishponds as a source of food by offering an alternative to traditional fishing methods and reducing pressure on wild fish populations.