ENG-1952 — Page 93

PRODUCTION

The oyster beds of Deep Bay have lost some of their former importance, but nevertheless it is estimated that the 7,420 acres of oyster beds yield 95 tons of dried oysters and some 24 tons of oyster sauce annually; a large proportion is exported to the U.S.A.

Considerable quantities of fish fry are exported by sea and air to Thailand, Malaya and Formosa. Some of this trade is carried on by the Fisheries Division which exported over $85,000 worth by air during 1952. The main types of fish fry exported are silver carp, grass carp and big head carp.

Fish Marketing Organization

The wholesale marketing of marine fish in the Colony is carried out by the Fish Marketing Organiza- tion in accordance with legislation which was introduced in 1945. During the past 7 years it has proved to be an effective means of handling fish between producer and retailer at a minimum cost to both parties.

The Organization has established fish collecting depots and posts in the main fishing villages of the Colony, from which fish is brought to the four whole- sale markets in the Urban area. Fishermen who operate through these depots and posts may either leave their produce in the hands of the Organization's staff who look after it until it is sold, or accompany their own fish to the markets. In the wholesale markets, the fish is sorted and put up for public auction. Fishermen may collect the proceeds of sale directly after the auction, if they are present at the market, or from their local depot on the next day.

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