Fisheries Development

The inshore marine environment has been under pressure from large-scale
dredging for marine fill, dumping of mud and reclamation. Besides
affecting water quality, this also destroys extensive areas of seabed
habitats that support the marine fauna and fisheries resources. To mitigate
such damage and to enhance marine resources, the department is
implementing an artificial reefs project. The project aims at using artificial
reefs to enhance the marine habitats favoured by commercial fish species.
A variety of artificial habitats will be introduced at strategic areas to help
rehabilitate damaged seabed, protect sensitive nursery areas and increase
fish production. The first phase involves the deployment of artificial reef
structures in the existing marine parks at Yan Chau Tong and Hoi Ha
Wan. A 12-month study is being conducted to formulate a suitable
strategy for wider deployment of artificial reefs and their subsequent
management. A public consultation exercise will be conducted by the
consultants.

Another study, to collect comprehensive information on fisheries
resources and fishing operations in Hong Kong waters, has been
completed and its findings are being examined. Such information will
enable the department to formulate fisheries management and
conservation measures for the long-term sustainability of fisheries.

Aquaculture studies are directed towards the development of more
efficient culture systems and improved husbandry techniques to increase
productivity and minimise the impact on the environment. Many
mariculturists are now using environmentally friendly moist pellet feed
and have reported improvements of the fish culture environment as well
as faster and healthier fish growth.

The larger vessels in Hong Kong's fishing fleet are among the most
modern in the region, despite their traditional wooden hulls. The
department has stepped up effort to stimulate the modernisation trend by
maintaining development input and providing free advisory services on
fishing vessel hull design (in particular steel hulls) and fishing methods, as
well as fishing equipment.

Training classes are held for operators, covering the conventional skills
required for safe and effective operation of fishing vessels as well as the
use of radio telephones and electronic navigation equipment such as radar
and satellite communications. The department also organises sea-fishing
endorsement courses to train operators to standards required by the
Marine Department for steel-hulled fishing vessels.

The department administers four loan funds servicing the fishing industry:
the Fisheries Development Loan Fund, the Fish Marketing Organisation
Loan Fund, the World Refugee Year Loan Fund and the Co-operative for
American Relief Everywhere Loan Fund. By December 31, loans issued
since the inception of the four funds totalled $316 million.

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