The Oyster Odyssey: Restoring Hong Kong’s Lost Treasure Exhibition

The Nature Conservancy’s “The Oyster Odyssey - Restoring Hong Kong’s Lost Treasure” Exhibition is now open.  This exhibition aims to take visitors on an enthralling journey to discover the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of oysters and oyster reefs in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the disappearance of oyster reefs and highlights TNC's conservation efforts in oyster reef restoration and habitat preservation.  The exhibition offers a captivating experience that not only engages all the senses of the audience but also serves as a valuable educational platform to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the rich heritage and ecological significance of oysters through interactive displays and information.

Co-organized by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, “The Oyster Odyssey - Restoring Hong Kong’s Lost Treasure” Exhibition, will be held in the museum’s Long Gallery and Blue Ocean Gallery, immersing visitors in an enchanting underwater world. The Long Gallery showcases the ecology of oysters and emphasizes the importance of oyster reef conservation, enhancing the audience's understanding of oyster reef preservation. While the Blue Ocean Gallery provides a cultural and historical experience related to the oyster industry, allowing visitors to delve into the historical culture of oyster cultivation. Through stunning visual displays, interactive installations, and captivating narratives, visitors will explore the millennium-long history of oysters and their significance in the Pearl River Delta.

Oysters play a vital role in filtering water, acting as natural purifiers for water sources.  They improve water quality and keep the marine environment healthy. The exhibition provides a comprehensive introduction to oysters and oyster reefs, demonstrating their role in providing diverse marine habitats, protecting coastlines, and serving as essential components of ecosystems. Additionally, it showcases TNC's conservation work and contributions in Hong Kong and worldwide.

I. Public Talks -

1. Unveiling Oyster Reefs: Ecosystem Contributions and Benefits for Hong Kong

Discuss the importance of oyster reefs in ecosystem and how they benefit the local community. Contributions and benefits as improving water quality, protecting shorelines from erosion and providing habitat. How restoring oyster reefs can help both the environment and people.

Speaker:  Tom Chan Conservation Education Manager, The Nature Conservancy

Medium of Language:  Cantonese

Date & Time:  December 2023 (Sat) 14:30-15:30

2. Lost and Found: Tracing the History of Oyster Reefs in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

Unveiling the Historical Distribution, Decline Factors, , and Sociocultural Significance of oysters in the Pearl River Delta.

Speaker:   Sheila Wong Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

Medium of Language: Cantonese

Date & Time:   16 December 2023 (Sat) 11:00-12:00

3. Oyster’s Wonders

Delve into the wonders of oyster reefs, the world’s most endangered Marine Habitat. Share the amazing attributes of oysters and why they are such a wonderful creature. Fascinating facts about oyster anatomy, life cycle, roles in the marine environment and more. Appreciate the wonders of this much misunderstood shellfish.

Speaker: Dr. Ginger Wai Kuen KO Lecturer, The University of Hong Kong

Medium of Language: Cantonese

Date & Time: 16 December 2023 (Sat) 14:30-15:30

4. Revitalizing Hong Kong’s Water: Discovering the Hidden Benefits of Oyster Reefs

The importance of natural oyster reefs for the health of Hong Kong's water. Oyster reefs as Nature based solutions: a deep dive into oyster reef ecosystem benefits and potential of restoration in Hong Kong. How oysters help improve water quality by filtering pollutants, supporting fisheries through habitat provision, and protecting shorelines from erosion. How restoring oyster reefs benefits both the environment and community.

Speaker:  Tom Chan Conservation Education Manager, The Nature Conservancy

Medium of Language:  Cantonese

Date & Time:  6 January 2024 (Sat) 14:30-15:30

5. Lost and Found: Tracing the History of Oyster Reefs in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

Unveiling the Historical Distribution, Decline Factors, , and Sociocultural Significance of Oysters in the Pearl River Delta.

Speaker:  Marine Thomas Senior Conservation Project Manager, The Nature Conservancy

Medium of Language:  English

Date & Time:  21 January 2024 (Sun) 14:30-15:30

II. Public Workshops - Oyster Shell Up-cycling DIY Workshop

Join us for an interactive workshop that explore the importance of oysters and oyster reefs. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to create their own unique oyster shell ornaments with the guidance of our instructors.

Instructor:  Angel Lam

Medium of Language:  Cantonese

1. 19 November 2023(Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Necklace

2. 10 December 2023 (Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament

3. 17 December 2023(Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament

4. 24 December 2023 (Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Christmas Ornament

5. 7 January 2024 (Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Necklace

6. 14 January 2024 (Sun) 14:30-15:30 – Oyster Shell Air Plant

III. School & Community Learning Programmes - Exploring the Wonders of Oyster Reefs

A comprehensive overview of oyster reefs, including their characteristics, ecological importance, conservation challenges and restoration initiatives. We welcome schools to participate, please contact the Hong Kong Maritime Museum for more information.

1. 27/11/2023 (Mon) 10:00-11.30 / 11:45-13:15 / 14:15-15:45 / 16:00-17:30

2. 8/1/2024 (Mon) 10:00-11.30 / 11:45-13:15 / 14:15-15:45 / 16:00-17:30

3. 22/1/2024 (Mon) 10:00-11.30 / 11:45-13:15 / 14:15-15:45 / 16:00-17:30

4. 2/4/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

5. 16/4/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

6. 30/4/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

7. 21/5/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

8. 28/5/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

9. 4/6/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

10. 11/6/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

11. 25/6/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

12. 2/7/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

13. 9/7/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30

14. 16/7/2024 (Tue) 10:30-12:00 / 14:00-15:30