VI.
PRODUCTION.
FISHERIES
The main primary product of Hong Kong is fish, the Colony having probably the largest fleet of any fishing port in the Colonial Empire. It is estimated that there is a seafaring population of about 60,000 engaged in this industry and the figures for quantities marketed given below also indicate the magnitude of the operations.
The fishing fleet is essentially owner-operated and consists of sailing junks of Chinese type constructed locally from China fir and hardwoods imported from outside sources.
The waters around Hong Kong being susceptible to typhoons, wind-driven off-shore fishing craft, such as trawlers, are compelled to tie up during the typhoon season between, July and September. Because of this, fishermen realize the great advantage to be gained through mechanization of their craft, and during this year the size of the mechanized fleet has increased from 55 to 111 vessels of all types, the greatest increases being in the number of native-type wooden long liners which rose from 34 to 66, and of native-type fish collectors which rose from 2 to 14.
The desire to mechanize has recently spread to fishermen owning small craft such as purse seiners resulting in a growing demand for small engines suitable for such craft.
In view of the fact that conversion of the Chinese sailing junk to self-propulsion necessitates the installation of a greater power unit than would be necessary for vessels of similar size designed for self-propulsion, it has been decided to design and build two new experimental vessels suitable for mechanization, and built in accordance with Chinese methods of ship construction. A Colonial Development and Welfare grant has been made for this purpose.
Practically the entire catch of fish marketed as fresh fish is for local consumption, but a large portion of the catch is salted and dried; this latter type of fish finds its way to China, only about 40% being consumed locally.
The main types of fish landed are mackerel, scad, anchovies, lizard fish, golden thread, croaker and yellow croaker.
The amount of fish marketed in Hong Kong for the years 1946/50 is as follows:-
40