The Fisheries Industry

Marine fish constitute one of Hong Kong's most important primary
products. In 1997, total production from marine capture and culture
fisheries was estimated at about 194 030 tonnes, with a wholesale value
of $2.5 billion. This represented an increase of 1 per cent in weight
compared with 1996. In weight terms, marine capture fisheries
contributed 96 per cent towards total production while the remainder
came from culture operations.

The Hong Kong fishing fleet, manned by 19 200 fishermen, comprises
some 4 460 vessels of which 3 820 are mechanised. Major fishing
methods include trawling, lining, gill-netting and purse-seining. Trawling
accounted for 79 per cent, or 146 940 tonnes of the fishermen's catch.
The fishermen's total catch is equivalent to 75 per cent of the local
seafood consumption and amounted to 186 000 tonnes, with an estimated
wholesale value of $2.2 billion.

Under licence from the department, marine fish culture is practised within
26 designated zones. At the year's end, there were 1 526 licensed
mariculturists. They supplied 2 960 tonnes of live marine fish valued at
$178 million during the year.

Freshwater fish are also cultured. Fish ponds covering 1 125 hectares are
mostly located in the north-western New Territories where they form part
of the wetland system of conservation interest. The area devoted to fish
ponds has gradually declined with the increasing urbanisation of the New
Territories. During the year, pond culture yielded 5 000 tonnes, or 12 per
cent, of freshwater fish for local consumption.

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