Ecology at sea
The Pup
By Adelaide Lau
The Pup, a floating school specializing in coastal ecology, was founded by Anthropological Survival Outreach in July 1995. The word “pup” means “baby seal”.
According to Mr. Szeto Chi Chiu, director of Anthropological Survival Outreach, the vessel was named Pup because it targets youngsters. The amusing name will likely attract them.
“We also use it as a symbol to arouse public awareness about the slaughter of seals,” added Mr. Szeto.
Miss Lau Ying Wai, programme officer of the Pup, said, “When my colleagues and I sailed in Sai Kung Hoi, we had many questions concerning marine and coastal ecology.
“By setting up the Pup, those who have same questions as we did can get answers during the trips.”
Children can learn about sea birds, shells and a variety of marine creatures through pictures, models and specimens on the Pup.
Different methods of catching fish are introduced, and a fishing net is on display. The instructors explain how the net is used.
Some teachers leave the vessel and go ashore on nearby islands by means of a speedboat. There they collect starfish, shells, mussels and sea urchins for the children to see and to touch.
Said Mr. Szeto: “The instructors and the helpers are usually volunteer workers.
“They have to attend classes before each trip.
“They should love this job, and it will be even better if they have some knowledge of geography and biology.”
The children are allowed to enter the cabin of the vessel to visit a mini-museum where marine information is displayed.
At the end of each trip, the children receive certificates indicating that they have gained knowledge about coastal and marine ecology.
“Since there are abundant entertainments in the Pup for children, we would like to serve the children first,” Mr. Szeto said.
Nevertheless, he said the Pup also welcomes adults.
Mr. Szeto and his colleagues are always looking for large starfish and rare shells in East Asia and Australia. They want to make the exhibition more comprehensive.
Said Mr. Szeto: “Since the exhibits have to be changed and more exhibits have to be added frequently, we need to try harder to collect more marine creatures.”
The participants are free to touch the specimens in the cabin.
“It requires a lot of time and energy to collect these specimens,” said Mr. Szeto.
“We were heartbroken when some valuable shells were damaged. Anyway, we cannot expect little children be too careful.
“We have also planned to let participants visit the fishery. But for the sake of their safety, they can only view the fishery from a distance in the vessel now,” added Mr. Szeto.
Said Ho Yiu Kei, 10, one of the participants: “I enjoyed the trip very much. Although I have already learned some marine ecology from school lessons, the field study and the specimens help me understand it even better.”
Mrs. Chung Yuen Lan, 40, of Quarry Bay, and Mr. Tong Chi Ming, 39, of Shau Kei Wan, have gone on the Pup with their children. They both thought that the trip was very meaningful.
Added Mr. Szeto: “There are so many things that the instructors of the Pup have to cover now.
“The Pup is going to focus on specific topics such as eroded rocks, algae and mangroves in the sea. The participants can learn these things more thoroughly then.”
Mr. Szeto said that the voyages of the Pup will not be changed in the short term because marine life in Sai Kung Hoi is rich, and the staff likes the site very much.
