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work has shown (a) that new methods of processing are practicable and (b) that there is a market for the products, then the financing of a full sized plant will be undertaken by the Fisheries Co- operative with borrowed capital. The Fisheries Co-operative would pay its own technical staff. This does not mean that Government research in that aspect of processing would then cease but it does mean that the commercial exploitation of the first practical results of Government research would be carried out by the Co-operative. It is thought that these pilot plant would cost a few hundred pounds each, the drying plant would cost a thousand or a little more. The staff required would not be considerable but would include one or two chemists. These could be Chinese but if so it would be advisable that one be selected to work in U.K., e.g. at the Torrey Research Station, Aberdeen, for a few months to learn the ropes.
3. VESSELS AND GEAR.
Approximately 1,000 large fishing junks registered in Hong Kong have been lost in hostilities with the Japanese since 1937. The replacement of these vessels appears to be beyond the capacity of the existing Hong Kong junk-building yards. Attention must be given to this problem.
Secondly, research is essential in the field of mechanization of the fishing fleets.. We do not advocate the employment of modern trawlers now by local Hong Kong fishermen. We do advocate the introduction of diesel engines into junks for two main purposes (i) to supply power supplementary to wind to enable junks to trawl in light winds, or still days, or against the wind and in deeper waters than is now possible, (ii) to supply power for winches to enable trawls to be raised from greater depths than is possible with hand operated winches. This auxiliary power would allow the fishermen more time on the fishing grounds for fishing and enable fishing to take place in waters at present untouched by the Chinese fleets.
Thirdly, research is required into a great variety of problems, for example the most suitable shape and size of junk for a given purpose, e.g. for trawling, long lining, purse seining, etc; this would result in a certain standardization of type leading to economy. Research is required into fishing gear and its most economical use and its preservation.
With these three lines of research and reconstruction in mind, it is considered that investigation be made into the following. The acceptance and implementation of any recommenda- tions in respect to these investigations is dependent upon their economic soundnes8.
1.
The possibility of mass production of junks of standard types. This might involve the erection of a saw-mill; establishment of a timber yard and the purchase or erection of a junk building yard.
2.
The construction of a pair of junk trawlers equipped with diesel engines to supply auxiliary motive power and power for operating winches. These vessels to be used by the Fisheries Department for their investigations and to be the forerunners, if successful, of a fleet of such vessels.
3.
The erection of a laboratory and workshop where tackle may be made and tested.
DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES.
These three functions of a Fisheries Department must be viewed in relation to the appointment of a Director of Pisheries and his responsibilities.
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