Hong Kong is a city well-known for its love for seafood, but the diversity of the natural marine life here often comes as a surprise to people. As part of our work at our marine conservation NGO, BLOOM Association Hong Kong, we offer public talks and seminars about the ocean and its challenges. At the start of every seminar, I would always show a slide about the ocean and marine life, and ask the audience: “what words would you use to describe the ocean?” Without fail, I will get the answers: “seafood”, “fresh”, “delicious”, and “dinner” … It’s funny, but it also describes Hong Kong’s relationship with the sea perfectly.
Although we are surrounded by the ocean, most of us in Hong Kong comes closest to the marine life at seafood restaurants, supermarkets and wet markets. Naturally, our relationship with the sea is defined by consumption. We learn that fish are food for eating, and we rarely have the chance t