XN000022-1975-04-06 — Page 5

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Active fishermen in Aberdeen total about 11,000. They have

more than 9,000 dependents who are not involved with the industry, though

many wives and children help out in a number of ways.

The fishermen sell their catches to wholesale buyers in the

Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, one of seven markets maintained by the

Fish Marketing Organisation. The market was built in 1952, and is

located on the waterfront in Tin Wan, It can handle 90 tons of fish daily.

Two ice plants are located in Tin Wan. Together with others

outside Aberdeen, they supply the fishing fleet with içe - essential

ingredient for keeping catches in good condition when the vessels are

at sea.

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The fleet gets its fuel from stationary barges berthed outside

the harbour. There are about 100 workshops where engines are repaired.

There are also 50 boatyards. where the fishermen either have vessels built

or made seaworthy. Most of these yards are located in the eastern part

of the harbour, the Aberdeen Channel, along the shore of Ap Lei Chau.

In recent years, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department have

done much to assist Aberdeen fisherfolk modernise their craft for longer.

journeys at sea, and improved catches. The department maintains a Fisheries

Research Division in the area whose task is to carry out marine and

biological research.

The department also keeps a Fisheries Development Section in Aberdeen

to look into technical aspects of the fishing industry, and fishings and

suggestions are passed on to the fishermen, A government research vessel,

Cape St Mary, has its anchorage in the harbour.

The Fish Marketing Organisation runs a school in Aberdeen for children

of the fishing community. The school has an enrolment of more than 800,

divided into primary, and three-year secondary students. For the latter,

emphasis is on practical subjects.

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