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Jimmy Chow

When diving instructor Kevin Suen Chung-yi conducts lessons in Hong Kong’s waters, he would often encounter discarded abandoned fishing nets that snagged on coral reefs and ensnared marine creatures.
“I’d see these nets tangled around coral or drifting in the water, and I couldn’t just ignore them,” Suen said.
What began as a personal initiative to clear nets when he encountered them, gradually evolved into a much larger mission.
Since setting up Ghost Net Hunting Unit in 2022, Suen has led over 10 clean-ups, extracting more than 2.4 tonnes of debris from Hong Kong’s waters.
His work, supported by the A Plastic Ocean Foundation, extends to educating the public, particularly the diving and fishing communities, about the broader impact of marine pollution.
“It’s not just about removing the trash,” he explained. “It’s about teaching people why this is important, about the long-term damage these ghost nets cause.”
Suen, also the leader of the Ghost Net Hunting Unit, is a finalist for The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the community category for his spearheading efforts to clean the seas and strengthen people’s connection to the ocean.

The awards are an annual event jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group to honour remarkable individuals whose endeavours might otherwise go unnoticed.
Suen and his team had tried to transform passive awareness into active participation through various projects, mobilising divers to engage in seabed clean-up operations.
In an interview with the Post, Suen detailed the careful planning, unpredictable currents, and physical demands involved in safely removing ghost nets.
“Every site is different,” Suen said. “Sometimes the nets are tangled deep in coral, and we have to be careful not to harm the ecosystem as we work.
“Teamwork is critical in this dangerous underwater operation; removing ghost nets is not something you can do alone – it requires a coordinated team effort.”
His team, a rotating group of around 20 dedicated volunteers, has developed a rhythm and trust over time, essential for such a demanding task.
But the work is not without its frustrations.
Suen recalled the recurring issue of ghost nets being discarded in the same locations they had just cleared.
“It can feel a bit like we’re working against the tide,” he said.
“But that’s why education is so important. If we can stop the nets from being thrown in the ocean in the first place, we won’t need to be out here cleaning them up.”
Still, Suen finds joy and purpose in the work.

“The biggest reward is pulling up a net and knowing that we’ve done something meaningful for the planet,” he said.
Beyond removing debris, Suen has fostered a community where ocean lovers come together not just to enjoy nature but to care for it.
“It’s about building a community, a group of people who care about the same thing and who are willing to put in the time and effort to make a difference,” he said.
“After a day of clearing nets, we all sit down together, tired but happy, and there’s this bond that forms. It makes the hard work worth it.”
When asked what motivated him, Suen said he just wanted to do his part.
“If everyone did a little, the world would be a much better place.”


Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: diving instructor’s quest to fight marine pollution

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: reimagining ‘The Nutcracker’ to reflect Hong Kong’s uniqueness

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: the Hongkonger growing coral babies in lab to save ecosystem

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: translator-interpreter built second career while battling cancer

Spirit of Hong Kong

Kevin Suen founded the Ghost Net Hunting Unit, a group involved in ridding the ocean of pollution.  Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Kevin Suen has led over 10 clean-up operations since 2022, extracting more than 2.4 tonnes of debris from Hong Kong’s waters. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Photo: SCMP

Hong Kong Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Hong Kong Ballet

Hong Kong Ballet artistic director Septime Webre says he will continue to use ballet as a way to unite the community. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Hong Kong Ballet has been shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the culture category. Photo: SCMP

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: educator who empowers pupils with disabilities

The exoskeleton gait training devices at Red Cross Margaret Trench School have changed lives. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

School principal Chuin Chi-wai says each student has different abilities. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Baby coral reefs. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

Apple Chui says she has developed educational programmes aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

 Apple Chui has been growing coral babies in a lab. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

At 81, Neena Pushkarna still serves as a translator and interpreter for various government departments in Hong Kong. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

After retiring as a teacher, Pushkarna built her second career and cared for her ill husband while dealing with her own cancer. Photo: Kong Yat-pang

News

Hong Kong

Society

Kevin Suen has led over 10 clean-up operations since 2022, extracting more than 2.4 tonnes of debris from Hong Kong’s waters


Kevin Suen has led over 10 clean-up operations since 2022, extracting more than 2.4 tonnes of debris from Hong Kong’s waters.
