Diving deep into conservation: Division of Science Prof Alphonse Tsang's mission to safeguard freshwater biodiversity through impactful research
Prof Alphonse Tsang Hin-fat, Research Assistant Professor in Lingnan University's Division of Science, awarded over HK$1.1 million in GRF funding for his research on freshwater biodiversity.
With his snorkelling mask on, Prof Alphonse Tsang Hin-fat, Research Assistant Professor in Lingnan University's Division of Science, immerses himself in the cool waters of Wong Lung Hang Stream. His mission? To collect both native and non-native fish to support his groundbreaking research funded by the Research Grants Council’s General Research Fund (GRF).
“While snorkelling, I often observe these fish coexisting, but we are still uncertain about how they interact,” he explains. By sampling fish from sites with and without invasive alien species, he aims to understand which native species are affected and how they compete for resources. This research is crucial for guiding future conservation resource allocation and informing management strategies of these invasive alien species.
Prof Tsang and his team immerse themselves in the cool waters of Wong Lung Hang Stream for research.
During his underwater explorations, Prof Tsang encounters a vibrant array of species, including the native fish Predaceous Chub, known for its striking lateral black line that turns into a dot towards the caudal fin, and the non-native Jewelfish, adorned with metallic dots. He also captures gobies, recognised by the male’s distinctive white cheeks, and the unique Sucker-belly Loach. This species clings to rocky surfaces in fast-moving waters and is an indicator of clean, oxygen-rich water.
Prof Tsang and his team examine the gut contents of the collected fish.
Equipped with fish traps and nets, Prof Tsang and his team gather a wealth of data. Back in the lab, he meticulously examines the gut contents of the collected fish and gathers chemical signals from their muscles. “This enables me to assess their niche overlap and quantify various interactions, such as competition for resources and potential predation,” he elaborates. His detailed research is vital for uncovering the ecological dynamics that shape fragile freshwater environments.
Recently awarded over HK$1.1 million in GRF funding, the young professor’s work probes the ecological impacts of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on freshwater biodiversity in Hong Kong. Tilapia are an invasive alien species that has spread throughout Hong Kong and was introduced in the mid-20th century for aquaculture. "You can find them in most of the lowland streams,” he notes, highlighting the challenges they pose to local fish populations. “By assessing their impact, this project can provide crucial data to inform policies and management strategies for freshwater biodiversity protection in Hong Kong.”
Freshwater environments are crucial for biodiversity and human well-being, yet they often receive little attention in conservation discussions.
His journey into freshwater science began in childhood, inspired by captivating visuals in National Geographic. “I have a particular love for freshwater environments, as they provide a peaceful escape from everyday worries. I often sought out streams where I could sit for hours, enjoying the tranquillity. During these moments, I became increasingly intrigued by the fish and insects around me, sparking my deep interest in freshwater ecosystems,” he recalls. Knowing that ecosystems face numerous anthropogenic threats, this early fascination ignited a lifelong commitment to conserving these vital ecosystems.
Field research is not without its challenges. Unpredictable weather can disrupt plans, and rising water levels during rainfall can pose safety risks. During his PhD, he faced tight deadlines but demonstrated adaptability by pivoting to laboratory work when conditions were unfavourable. “When conditions improve, I take advantage of the opportunity to get outside every day to catch up on my original schedule, even though it can be physically demanding,” he admits, reflecting his dedication.
His deep appreciation and passion for nature drive him despite these obstacles. “We share a genuine love for the diverse life on Earth, which drives us to persevere despite challenges,” he says. Although research and conservation efforts can feel slow, the processes of data collection and policy formulation ultimately lead to a profound sense of accomplishment when successful conservation occurs.
That reward makes it all worthwhile.
His focus goes beyond fish; he is also concerned about the broader impacts of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater systems. “Research indicates that MPs can reduce growth rates and damage reproductive organs in some freshwater fish. Moreover, higher concentrations of MPs have been associated with increased mortality rates in freshwater macroinvertebrates, potentially undermining freshwater biodiversity,” he warns.
Alongside microplastics, threats like illegal trade, non-native species, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change endanger biodiversity. Education is essential for raising awareness about these issues. To combat these challenges, Prof Tsang encourages Lingnan students to take action.
“First, students can adopt more sustainable lifestyles, simply by reducing waste and conserving water. Second, many courses at Lingnan incorporate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) elements, allowing students to engage in biodiversity and conservation-related projects, particularly those organised by the Division of Science, directly supporting the conservation of freshwater environments in Hong Kong,” he suggests. This engagement is a core aspect of his mission.
Lastly, sharing knowledge and raising awareness about biodiversity and sustainability is crucial. Informing the community about threats like non-native species can significantly influence choices and promote sustainable living.
Prof Tsang believes one of the unique strengths of Lingnan students lies in their exposure to a broad and interdisciplinary curriculum. “This allows them to approach biodiversity issues from multiple perspectives, which is quite unique,” he notes. This interdisciplinary experience enriches discussions, enabling both students and faculty to draw insights from fields like social sciences, economics, and policy studies. Given that many biodiversity challenges stem from human activities, this holistic approach fosters innovative solutions and deepens the understanding of the intricate relationships between ecological and societal factors.
Looking ahead, his vision is ambitious. "I aspire to provide robust, data-driven solutions that inform policy and conservation strategies," he states. By influencing people's everyday choices, we can cultivate a stronger commitment to environmental conservation.
Ultimately, I hope to promote sustainability, enabling everyone to enjoy and appreciate the rich biodiversity that Hong Kong has to offer.
Through this commitment to sustainability and community engagement, he inspires a collective effort to preserve Hong Kong’s rich biodiversity for future generations.