ENG-1961 — Page 133

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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Problems of overfishing and of the conservation of fish resources receive attention and legislation is being prepared to provide the necessary authority for comprehensive protection measures, par- ticularly against the use of explosives and toxic substances.

To further the Division's policy of investigating the potential of single boat stern-otter trawling, plans for the construction of a 67-foot wooden trawler of modern design are under consideration. At the same time, the trend towards the modification of a traditional junk design to meet modern requirements, particularly those of mechanization, is being encouraged. In March, the keels were laid for two large modified Kwong Sun type deep-sea trawlers, the design of which includes radical departures from the usual junk lay-out. Although intended for pair trawling in the first instance, these boats are fitted with diesel engines of 240 bhp, the most powerful engines to be fitted into a local fishing junk at that time, and the design is such that the boats may readily be converted for single boat stern-otter trawling at a later date. The construction of these two vessels was completed in September 1961, and the boats have since made a number of very successful fishing trips. Great_interest has been shown by other local trawler fishermen and it appears likely that several of them will wish to emulate the example set, and to incorporate further refinements of design.

The Fishing Division provides courses of instruction for workers in the fishing junk building industry to instill an understanding of working drawings and an ability to build boats in accordance with plans. Attention is directed mainly towards lofting-out (or laying-off) of the correct lines of a boat and a mould loft shed has been erected to afford the pupils practical experience.

The Department administers the Fisheries Development Loan Fund which is allotted specifically for the development of the Colony's middle and distant waters fleet, and the Colonial Develop- ment and Welfare scheme D 1967, which provides mechanization loans for fishermen. During 1961 the capital available for the Fisheries Development Loan Fund was increased from two million dollars to five million dollars to meet the many demands which are made upon it. There is close co-operation with the Fish Marketing Organization which administers two other fisheries loan funds and investigates applications for loans from all four funds,