The destruction of coral around Hong Kong shores has been considerable, as the countless dead colonies in proximity to spreading pollution, reclamation and dumping sites confirm. Along with the corals, of course, die innumerable associates to whom they are essential for life. These silted skeletons are a depressing testimony to the effects of careless development, lack of planning and ignorance of ecology.Many of these areas were flourishing as recently as ten years ago. Long-time sailors and divers report cases where they they have personally seen the decline of marine life. Some tell of coral, now replaced by hardier species of barnacles and oysters, attached to mooring ropes at anchorages such as Hebe Haven.