Fisheries in Hong Kong
Hong Kong was once comprised of fishing villages, thus fisheries is a local industry of certain significance.
Overview
Capture and aquaculture fisheries make an important contribution to Hong Kong by maintaining a steady supply of fresh fish to local consumers. The commercially important marine species in terms of landed weight are bigeye, golden thread, croaker, horse-head and pomfret. The total capture fisheries and marine fish culture production is equivalent to about 31 % of seafood consumed in Hong Kong, while pond fish farmers produce about six percent of the freshwater fish eaten.Capture fisheries
Hong Kong’s fishing activities are conducted mainly in the waters of the adjacent continental shelf in the South and East China Seas. They extend over a 160 Kilometre wide section of this shelf between the Gulf of Tonkin and the East China Sea. In 2003, the estimated yield of fishery products was about 157,444 tonnes, valued at $1,526 million. The fishing fleet is comprised of about 4,630 vessels, most of which are mechanised. About 38 % of the vessels are over 15 metres in length. They are mainly trawlers, liners and gill netters and are engaged in fishing mainly outside Hong Kong waters. The remaining 62 % of the vessels are mainly gill netters, liners, purse seiners and cage trappers operating mainly in coastal waters around Hong Kong.Aquaculture fisheries
Fish ponds in use total 10.29 square kilometres and are located mainly in the north-western New Territories. The majority of fish farms are engaged in carp polyculture (bighead carp, silver carp, common carp and grass carp) in combination with Tilapia or grey mullet as the major species. Other cultured species include seabreams and spotted scat. Total fish pond production in 2003 amounted to 2,114 tonnes, valued at $35 million. About 1,157 units are engaged in marine fish culture under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance. At present there are 26 fish culture zones designated under the Ordinance. Common species cultured include green grouper, brownspotted grouper, Russell’s snapper, mangrove snapper, Cobia and pampano. Total marine fish culture production in 2003 amounted to 1,486 tons, valued at $76 million.Development and services
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) promotes sustainable development and improvement to the competitiveness and efficiency of the fisheries industries through providing technical support, training, credit and wholesale marketing facilities, and implementing development schemes and resources conservation programmes. AFCD provides technical advice on aspects of construction of fishing vessels and use of ancillary fishing equipment. Vocational training courses are conducted for fishermen to help them acquire the necessary qualifications for the operation of fishing vessels.To alleviate the manpower shortage of the fishing industry, the department continues to operate the Mainland Fishermen Deckhands Scheme to allow Mainland fishermen deckhands to enter Hong Kong to help owners of fishing vessels to unload their catches at wholesale fish markets. In 2003, some 5,200 deckhand permits had been issued to over 1,200 fishing vessel operators.
In view of the decline of fisheries resources in the traditional fishing grounds in and around Hong Kong and to assist fishermen in venturing further afield, AFCD completed a consultancy study to look into the feasibility of developing offshore fishing industry. The study concluded that it would be technically feasible and financially viable for Hong Kong fishermen to venture into offshore fishing. The findings of the study serve as a reference to fishermen who are interested in developing offshore fishing business.
The department continues to support the development of offshore fishing through provision of technical support, training and Liaison services and credit facilities. AFCD conducts aquaculture studies and provides technical services relating to the development of more efficient fish culture methods and improved husbandry techniques. Continuous effort is made in promoting suitable feed formulations to replace the traditional use of trash fish as traditional feed for Mariculture in a bid to improve fish health and reduce pollution. To provide a wider choice of fish species for culture, AFCD conducts trials of new species with good market potential and introduces the proven culture techniques to fish farmers through technical seminars and training. Two trials on culture of jade Perch and Tench conducted in collaboration with fish farmers were completed in 2004. The trial on jade perch was particularly successful and the trial results were introduced to fish farmers.
To help fish farmers minimize losses due to fish diseases, AFCD has put in place a fish health management programme under which regular farm visits are conducted to facilitate early detection of disease outbreaks, to train fish farmers on disease prevention measures and to provide fish disease diagnosis service in case of disease outbreak. AFCD has also strengthened its red tide monitoring and management through establishment of a red tide reporting network and implementation of a proactive Phytoplankton monitoring program. These measures help to provide early red tide warnings to mariculturists, thereby minimizing the impact of red tides on mariculture. In 2003, a total of 20 red tide incidents were recorded in Hong Kong waters. Three red tide incidents were caused by harmful Algae and the others were harmless. No fish kill caused by red tide was reported.
AFCD continues to administer various loan funds for fishermen and fish farmers for production and development purposes. In 2003, a total of some 410 loans amounting to $29 million was provided. The department administers the Fish Marketing Organisation which is a non-government, non-profit-making corporation vested in the Director of Marketing (currently the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation) to provide orderly fish marketing services to both the fishermen and fish traders. The Organisation currently runs seven wholesale fish markets in Cheung Sha Wan, Aberdeen, Tuen Mun, Shau Kei Wan, Tai Po, Sai Kung and Kwun Tong. Revenue comes from charging commission on the proceeds of sales and fees for using the market facilities. Surplus earnings are channelled back into the industry through the provision of low-interest loans to fishermen, improved services and facilities in the markets and scholarships for fishermen and their children. It also helps promote the marketing of the local fisheries products through its marketing network and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
Fisheries resources conservation programmes
To promote sustainable development of the fishing industry and to conserve fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters, AFCD has been pursuing a number of fisheries conservation and management measures. Apart from strengthening enforcement against destructive fishing practices, the department has completed the Artificial reef deployment project in 2003. Altogether, 529 units of artificial reefs with a total volume of 158 300 cubic metres have been deployed at Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks, Port Shelter and Long Harbour. Results of underwater monitoring survey conducted between 1998 and 2003 revealed that the deployed artificial reefs supported a higher Diversity and abundance of fish species as compared with natural habitat.Over 220 species of fish, including many high-valued species such as groupers, breams, snappers and sweetlips, are using the reefs for feeding, shelter and as Spawning and nursery areas. In addition, the department has conducted trials on releasing fish and Prawn fry in suitable waters in Hong Kong, with a view to assessing its effectiveness in enhancing fisheries resources. To step up control of fishing activities and to protect the important fish nursery and spawning grounds in Hong Kong waters, the department is working on the establishment of a regulatory framework for the introduction of a fishing licence programme, designation of fisheries protection areas and implementation of a territory-wide closed season.