Eco-enhanced Seawalls Enrich Surrounding Marine Environment
The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is committed to environmental sustainability, including the conservation of the marine environment that surrounds Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). In particular, the Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy for the expansion of HKIA into a three-runway system (3RS) was set up to promote the enhancement of the marine environment. The strategy also supports measures that could contribute to the enrichment of marine ecology and fisheries resources in the vicinity of the project area.
As part of this effort, the artificial seawalls of the 3RS project have incorporated environmentally-friendly features with the addition of over 500 eco-enhanced concrete blocks. The first batch of these bespoke eco-blocks were installed on the eastern and northern vertical seawalls last year.
These eco-blocks incorporate a range of design features including small-scale pools, grooves and pits intended to promote colonisation of the physical seawall structure with a more diverse range of marine organisms, compared to normal artificial seawall blocks.
![](/media/1879/eco-enhanced-seawalls_p14a1.jpg)
![Scattered along the vertical seawalls are eco-enhanced concrete blocks that enrich marine biodiversity (top); and rock pools that provide shelter for organisms from currents and waves (bottom).](/media/1878/eco-enhanced-seawalls_p14b.jpg)
Some of the vertical seawall blocks also incorporate larger rock pools which provide more substantial shelter and protection for marine organisms. While the eco-enhanced blocks are specifically intended to add ecological value to our new seawalls, all of the designs have considered how to minimise bird attraction in these locations close to the airfield, in order to safeguard aircraft operational safety.
A one-year monitoring programme is helping to quantify the positive ecological impacts gained from these innovative features.
![Marine fauna flourishing on the eco-enhanced concrete blocks.](/media/1880/eco-enhanced-seawalls_img_3104.jpg)
Other Updates
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The Third Runway at Hong Kong International Airport Commissions
25/11/2022
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Flights Land on Third Runway as Operation Familiarisation Commences
08/07/2022
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Operation Familiarisation of Third Runway from 8 July 2022
02/07/2022
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Aerodrome Licence for AAHK to Operate HKIA Renewed to Include Third Runway
31/05/2022
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Aircraft Crash and Rescue Exercise Conducted on the Third Runway
24/05/2022
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Third Runway Readiness Reaches Milestone
21/04/2022
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Third Runway Flight Check Begins
26/03/2022
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Aircraft Stands at HKIA Re-designated in Preparation for Three-runway System
15/03/2022
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Three-runway System Development Crosses Milestone as Runway Re-designation Completed
02/12/2021
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Completion of Third Runway Pavement Marks Major Milestone of 3RS Project
07/09/2021
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14 Projects Granted Over HK$11 Million from Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund and Fisheries Enhancement Fund
06/08/2021
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3RS Contractor Wins Globally-recognised Accolade
17/06/2020
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Enhancing Marine Ecology and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
31/05/2020
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Reviving Pearl Farming in Hong Kong Waters
31/03/2020
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First Automatic Weather Station for the Future Third Runway Installed
30/09/2019
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Eleven Projects Granted Over HK$10 Million from Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Funds
06/08/2019
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New Aviation Fuel Pipelines Set World Record
01/08/2018
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Eight Projects Granted the 3RS Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Funds 2018/19
23/07/2018
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Nine Projects Granted Over HK$7 Million from the Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Funds
04/07/2017
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Application Invitation to Funds for Enhancing Marine Ecology and Fisheries in December
22/11/2016