PRIMARY PRODUCTION
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fishermen in navigation and certain duties in connection with the culture of pearls. A modified junk-type mechanized fishing vessel, the Yuen Ling, is used for general inshore demonstration work and to experiment with new equipment. Over-fishing and the conservation of fish resources are current problems and legisla- tion provides for comprehensive protection measures, particularly against the use of explosives and toxic substances.
Modification of traditional junk design to meet modern require- ments is encouraged. A number of shrimp trawlers have been modified and several large Kwong Sun type deep-sea trawlers are now operating whose design includes radical departures from the usual junk layout. Some of the latest deep-sea pair trawlers are designed for easy conversion_to single boat stern-otter trawling. The skipper/owners of two new wooden shrimp otter trawling boats, constructed in Hong Kong junk building yards for service in Sabah, were assisted with technical advice. Successful fishing trials were subsequently carried out in Hong Kong waters and these two boats have stimulated much interest among the local fishermen. A prototype mechanical line hauler was designed by the Fisheries Service and constructed at very reasonable cost; this worked well and it is hoped that the long-line fishermen, who now haul their lines by hand, will adopt this labour-saving device. The fish-holds of a pair of wooden distant-water junk trawlers were installed with thermal insulation and better storage facilities with a view to improving the quality of the fish landed, prolonging fishing voyages and reducing the amount of ice used. The modest financial investment entailed is being recovered quickly and applications for loans have been received from other fishermen who wish to improve the fish-holds of their boats in the same manner.
The department administers the Fisheries Development Loan Fund, which is allotted specifically for the development of the Colony's middle and distant water fleet, for which it has a capital of $5 million. There is close co-operation with the Fish Marketing Organization which administers two other funds and investigates applications for loans from all three. Together they provide capital of over $8 million for the development of the industry.
The fisheries research station undertakes biological and ocean- ographical investigation of the Continental Shelf from Formosa to the Gulf of Tonkin, using the research trawler Cape St Mary of 240
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