Tung Chung River is the last remaining large natural river in Hong Kong. From the headwater to the estuary, and even the bay facing it, it is still pristine, and retains a unique conservation value.
More than 20 native freshwater fish species inhabit in Tung Chung River. This includes the rare Beijing Thick-lipped Barb (Acrossocheilus beijiangensis), and the Glass Goby (Gobiopterus macrolepis) native to China. The large natural wetland in the estuary is home to numerous marine organisms, such as crabs and shells, and one of the only habitats for the horseshoe crab. Tung Chung Bay is the breeding and nursery ground for some commercial fish species like the vulnerable Kuda Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) and the less common Seaweed Pipefish (Syngnathus schlegeli).
The present Tung Chung New Town Extension plan overlaps the downstream in the west. Fortunately, ina positive response to public concern, the government has adopted a series of conservation measures, including restoring a section of river channel, and setting up the first integrated River Park for leisure, conservation and flood control. Since 2018, Green Power has been carrying out ecological and water quality surveys monitoring the impact of extension works in different areas of the river. We are also reviewing the various conservation measures of the government and the effectiveness of the upcoming River Park.