ENG-1954 — Page 93

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PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

III

Trawlers and long liners operate in waters from 30 to 65 fathoms along the coast of Kwangtung, extending from 11° 30' to 116° longitude East and 20° 15′ to 22° 30' latitude North. A large number of the deep sea vessels are sailing craft, and, during the typhoon season from June to October, their crews are busy with the work of repairing the junks, nets, rigging, sails and equipment. The late typhoon of 1954 caused damage to the fishing fleet estimated at $800,000.

In 1954 39,510 tons of fish were landed as compared with 31,439 tons in 1953. This increase in fish landings was due to the extension of mechanization of junk-type inshore fishing vessels and the encouragement given by the Marine Department and the Fisheries Division to companies concerned with deep sea fishing. The mechanized inshore fishing fleet increased to 702 vessels and 13 deep sea fishing vessels under British registry of 1,321 gross tons were added to the fishing fleet. In addition 18 Japanese trawlers were operating with the deep sea fleet.

Experiments with new fishing methods and gear carried out during the year resulted in the adoption by native fishermen of purse seining with a single mechanized junk, which enabled them to fish during the season of the N.E. monsoon. An improved type of shrimp trawl was also introduced and brought in good catches. Demonstrations of under water lights as an aid to fishing continued. The capstan on the Division's 30-foot fishing boat has proved very use- ful for shrimp trawling and many fishermen have approached the Fisheries Division for loans to instal capstans on their boats. Two modified junks for deep sea fishing are now being built in a local shipyard.

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