The University of Hong Kong (HKU) initiative addresses winter mass mortality, overcrowding, and healthy seed supply challenges in farming Hong Kong oysters

Oyster farming in South China, including Hong Kong's 700-year-old industry, faces challenges such as unusual mass mortality, shrinking culture areas, and unreliable seed supplies. To address these issues, Professor Vengatesen Thiyagarajan from Hong Kong University (HKU) has introduced a new hatchery technology designed to produce seeds from parent populations meant for Hong Kong environments. This 'super strain' is expected to help local farmers by offering faster-growing, disease-resistant oysters better suited for local conditions.

A Sustainable Approach to Oyster Farming

HKU's hatchery, equipped with high-density recirculation technology, can produce up to 24 million oyster seeds annually within a 2000-square-foot space. These seeds, derived from a fast-growing and disease-resistant strain identified in southern China, can improve oyster farming in Hong Kong and South China. HKU has been supplying these seeds to local growers since December 2023.
Professor Thiyagarajan stated, “We have identified a fast-growing, disease-resistant strain well-suited for local farming, particularly in high-salinity areas. More importantly, we have provided research-based solutions to the government for the sustainable management of farming practices. This could significantly help farmers achieve more stable production.”

Impact on HK's Oyster Industry

The new HKU spats allow faster-growing, resilient oysters to thrive, even in challenging conditions like those in Deep Bay. The hatchery technology also addresses inconsistent seed supply issues, previously restricted to a four-month harvest window. Local production of healthy spats could stabilize production and help growers obtain a 'made-in-Hong Kong' certificate.

Research and Next Steps

Supported by the Hong Kong government's Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund and local industry partners, including Lee Kum Kee Co. Ltd., HKU aims to expand production and share expertise through knowledge exchange programs across South China and Southeast Asia. This initiative could help improve farming practices, allowing farmers to establish hatcheries and meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood.
HKU's hatchery represents a significant step toward securing the future of Hong Kong's oyster industry, with the potential to create a more sustainable and prosperous global shellfish farming sector.