PRIMARY PRODUCTION
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trawlers and long-liners have gradually extended their operations and now work mainly in 30-70 fathoms off the coast of Kwangtung. Although a few of the larger mechanized boats are capable of fishing in the Gulf of Tonkin (some 500 miles away) the war in Vietnam does not encourage the use of these grounds. Landings by the local fishing fleet in 1968 were generally good and wholesale prices were satisfactory.
A major breakthrough in local fisheries development was achieved in 1965 with the successful introduction of a prototype 66-foot wooden stern otter trawler, designed by the Fisheries Branch and built under the supervision of its technical staff in a local boatyard. Seven more of these modern boats have since been built. All were financed by loans from the Fisheries Development Loan Fund. This change-over from the traditional two-boat, or 'pair', trawling method of fishing to modern single-boat trawling has been widely adopted and 25 such vessels have been built with private funds. In all of these cases technical assistance and training were freely provided by the Fisheries Branch. A new class of 86-foot wooden long-liner was introduced by the depart- ment. One vessel of this type designed by the department was constructed with the assistance of a loan from the Fisheries
= Development Loan Fund.
Extension work includes investigations into and demonstrations of fishing techniques; the promotion and sound development of a mechanization programme; the training of fishermen for certificates of competency as masters and' engineers; the instruction of local fishermen in navigation and fishing methods; and certain duties in connection with the culture of pearls. Over-fishing and the con- servation of fish resources are current problems and legislation provides for comprehensive protection measures, particularly against the use of explosives and toxic substances.
Close contact with the fishing community is maintained through the extension service and by liaison with fishermen's co-operatives. A large number of these co-operative societies operate their own revolving loan fund schemes which continue to grow in size and effectiveness. The position of registered fishermen's co-operative societies as at December 31, 1968 is shown in Appendix XXIV.