SDG 14: Life below water
Aiming to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations, HKUST is committed to the protection and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems and the reduction of marine pollution through our ocean science research and on campus operations and policies.
Curriculum
51 related courses were offered in the 2023-24 academic year.
Research
According to Science Direct, from 2020 to 2024, HKUST published 289 research papers addressing SDG 14.
18.69% of them are in the top 10% cite score and 84.8% are internationally co-authored.
Research Highlights
Deciphering fish species interactions for climate change insights
The team, led by Prof. Masayuki USHIO, Assistant Professor of the Department of Ocean Science at HKUST and Dr. Masaki MIYA at Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba, Japan, developed a new technique to a study how different fish species interact with each other in a coastal region by analyzing high-frequency time-series data from fish eDNA, making it possible to comprehensively monitor interactions among species. The research paves the way for scientists to contribute to more accurate assessment of the ecosystem status and future predictions of its dynamics.
One of the 11 sites where eDNA sampling was conducted (top left; rocky shore in Mera in Chiba, Japan). The collected eDNA samples were analyzed using a DNA sequencer to obtain eDNA time-series data (bottom left). This data was then analyzed using cutting-edge time-series analysis methods to estimate fish-fish interactions (right figure; arrows indicate interspecific interactions).
Embrace Extended Reality to Marine Education
A team of marine scientists employ extended reality (XR) to revolutionize people's experience in marine education. This UGC-funded project is led by Prof. Cindy Lam (Department of Ocean Science) and Prof. Sai-Kit Yeung (Division of Integrative Systems & Design) at HKUST, with joint collaboration of Prof. Apple Chui (School of Life Sciences) from CUHK, Prof. Jianwen Qiu and Dr. Veronica Chan (Department of Biology) from HKBU, and Prof. Cedric Tan (Environmental and Geographical Sciences) from the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
The project aims to design a game app with immersive Virtual Reality (VR) eLearning tools with AI machine-learning platform “MarineGPT”. The platform contains marine-specific data and information which requires players to learn right before the game starts. Our MarineGPT not only pushes the boundaries of marine understanding to the general public but also offers a standard protocol for adapting a general-purpose assistant to downstream domain-specific experts, paving the way for a wide range of marine applications.
Examples of 3D model proposed to build in the game
Policy
Sustainable Harvesting of Seafood
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.
Liquid Effluent and Protection of Watershed and Aquatic Environment
HKUST is committed to protect and uphold water quality in our surrounding environment to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare. Therefore, under the Safety and Environmental Protection Manual, members of the university are required to strictly follow relevant policies and practices, including compliance to applicable laws regulating liquid effluents.
Community Engagement
WWF Sustainable Seafood Seminar
HKUST hosted a public talk in 2023 by inviting WWF to educate local communities about overfishing and regulations related to the sustainable fishing and seafood industry. This event provided the public with an opportunity to learn about the balance between seafood consumption and conservation, while also allowing our students to fulfill the required class hours.
Having A Whale of a Time Preserving Underwater Life
HKUST alumnus and 2010 Biology graduate Taison Chang, now Chair of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society (HKDCS), exemplifies the university’s commitment to preserving marine life through his marine conservation efforts. His work, including public education on protecting Hong Kong’s marine life—such as the recent Bryde’s Whale sighting—highlights the importance of sustainable ocean stewardship. As a part-time lecturer at HKUST teaching Conservation and Sustainable Development, Taison inspires future environmental leaders, reinforcing the university’s role in fostering ecological awareness. His research on marine protected areas and advocacy against human impacts on coastal ecosystems align with HKUST’s mission to drive sustainability.
OCES 'Discovering Ocean Science' Summer Camp 2023
HKUST's Ocean Science department organized the "Discovering Ocean Science" Summer Camp program in 2023, welcoming 42 Form 4 and 5 secondary students across Hong Kong, showcasing an exemplary approach to fostering marine stewardship among local secondary students. This four-day program effectively combined educational initiatives with hands-on experiences, cultivating a profound understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems while also developing scientific skills and sustainable practices.
Community Service - Kayak & Clean-up:
HKUST and SUPWAY Hong Kong collaborated to organize a kayaking and environmental cleanup event in Tai Mei Tuk to protect aquatic ecosystems and raise awareness about marine pollution. Participants engaged in kayaking through polluted areas and debris removal, demonstrating the tangible impact individuals can have on environmental protection. Experts on-site offered education on marine ecology, pollution, and sustainability practices. This initiative successfully extended environmental stewardship beyond the university campus, making a positive impact on shared aquatic environments in the broader community.
HKUST Connect Beach Cleanup @HKUST
In recognition of the urgent need, HKUST Connect organized Beach Cleanup @HKUST for the coastline of the campus that serves as a vital habitat for diverse marine and coastal species. This initiative aimed to mitigate harmful effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems while restoring the natural beauty of the coastline.
Ocean Day 2024
HKUST Ocean Science department organized "Ocean Day," a two-day event at the university's Atrium in March 2024. It aimed to raise awareness of marine ecosystems' importance and to promote the protection of our oceans for future generations. One of the key topics highlighted on the exhibition boards was Eco-Fishing Practices, emphasizing sustainable fishing methods for maintaining healthy fish populations and marine ecosystems.
Academic Curriculum
2023-24 Program & Course Catalog: Summer Institute Course SISP 1317
HKUST's Summer Institute offers local high school students a learning opportunity to experience university education and prepare for future studies. One of the highlight courses of 2023-24 ‘water-related’ course offerings is SISP 1317 Water, You and Environment, which was provided by our Summer Institute. In this course, secondary students learned about the importance of efficient water use and innovative approaches to preserving water resources as the program aimed to instil environmental responsibility by exploring the intricate relationships between water, human activities, and ecosystems.