City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs

A Groundbreaking Documentary Explores Hong Kong’s Forgotten Oyster Reefs and Their Role in Securing a Sustainable Future

Through historical research and scientific exploration, City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs (香江遺礁) unveils how oysters shaped the Pearl River Delta’s development—diving deeper into the socio-cultural ties between oysters and coastal communities, the lime industry that fuelled early infrastructure across the region and the thriving marine ecosystems that once flourished beneath its waters.

Produced and directed by Mike Sakas, the film follows a team of researchers, restoration ecologists, citizen explorers and marine scientists as they search for remnant reefs, using historical maps, ecological surveys, and underwater expeditions to piece together clues about where these lost habitats might still perdure. Their findings suggest that not all is lost, and if restoration efforts are implemented at scale, oyster reefs could flourish once more. And the prospect is huge - by filtering millions of liters of water daily, providing essential habitats for countless marine species, and acting as natural coastal barriers against storms and erosion, these restored ecosystems would significantly enhance the biodiversity and ocean health, bringing life back to our waters.