PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Marketing Organisation Loan Fund. At the end of 1997, loans issued since the inception of these funds reached $387 million.
The Fisheries Industry
Marine fish constitute one of Hong Kong's most important primary products. In 1997, total production from marine capture and culture fisheries was estimated at about 194 030 tonnes, with a wholesale value of $2.5 billion. This represented an increase of 1 per cent in weight compared with 1996. In weight terms, marine capture fisheries contributed 96 per cent towards total production while the remainder came. from culture operations.
The Hong Kong fishing fleet, manned by 19 200 fishermen, comprises some 4 460 vessels of which 3 820 are mechanised. Major fishing methods include trawling, lining, gill-netting and purse-seining. Trawling accounted for 79 per cent, or 146 940 tonnes of the fishermen's catch. The fishermen's total catch is equivalent to 75 per cent of the local seafood consumption and amounted to 186 000 tonnes, with an estimated wholesale value of $2.2 billion.
Under licence from the department, marine fish culture is practised within 26 designated zones. At the year's end, there were 1 526 licensed mariculturists. They supplied 2 960 tonnes of live marine fish valued at $178 million during the year.
Freshwater fish are also cultured. Fish ponds covering 1 125 hectares are mostly located in the north-western New Territories where they form part of the wetland system of conservation interest. The area devoted to fish ponds has gradually declined with the increasing urbanisation of the New Territories. During the year, pond culture yielded 5 000 tonnes, or 12 per cent, of freshwater fish for local consumption.
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
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