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Shui Hau hosts a mosaic of interconnected ecosystems that together supports over 600 species, including 84 of conservation importance. Its sandflat is a unique landscape in Hong Kong and is a vital spawning and nursery ground for the endangered Chinese horseshoe crab.

Shui Hau Wan faces high levels of disturbance from recreational activities such as paragliding and clam digging on the intertidal mudflats. Unregulated clam digging is a serious concern, can lead to juvenile horseshoe crabs being trampled
and may change the composition and density of the benthic community structure and the availability of prey (such as polychaete). Large Asiatic hard clam have all but disappeared due to this unsustainable activity. The litter
left behind by clam diggers pollutes the environment, and increases the chance of animals being entangled and killed. Shui Hau was listed a marine refuse priority site in 2015.

Since 2018, multi‑year surveys—supported by 450 citizen scientists—have tracked clam and horseshoe crab populations at Shui Hau sandflat. IoT devices, including water‑level sensors, visitor counters, and badge trackers, have been deployed since 2024 to capture real‑time environmental and visitor data. Findings show declining clam density, sensitive zones where recreation overlaps with horseshoe crab hotspots, and provide insights informing ecological carrying capacity.  

Over 80 public education activities—including guided eco‑tours and awareness days—were organised from 2019 to 2025, reaching more than 6,000 visitors. These programmes promoted responsible coastal behaviours and highlighted the ecological importance of Shui Hau, particularly during peak visitor seasons. 

Clam gauges and visitor codes of conduct were co-developed with academics and villagers to ensure community-aligned solutions. Local aspirations were reflected through cocreated community artworks showcasing biodiversity, culture, and respectful visitor behaviours.

● Strengthen protection of areas with high horseshoe crab density to reduce spatial overlap with human activities. 
● Consider regulating the use of destructive clam-digging tools to minimise changes to the benthic community structure of the sandflat. 
● Regulate the quantity and size of harvested clams to avoid impacts on species density and availability. 
● Conduct ecological carrying capacity assessment and implement visitor flow management with a view to ensuring the long-term provision of ecosystem services.