ENG-1961 — Page 134

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

which provide capital of over $4.6 million for the development of the industry.

The Department also takes part in the activities of the Indo- Pacific Fisheries Council of FAO and, during the year, the Senior Research Officer of the Fisheries Research Station, accompanied by the Craft Technician (Design) of the Fisheries Division, attended the 9th Session of the Council in Karachi.

The Fisheries Research Station has a position in Hong Kong comparable with other national and regional institutes studying fisheries resources. Its activities now centre on a biological and oceanographical investigation of the continental shelf within a radius of approximately 500 miles from Hong Kong, extending from Taiwan to the Gulf of Tong King; and for this purpose the Station operates the research trawler, Cape St Mary, of 240 tons, a gift from the British Government. As the programme develops the scope of research and exploration will be enlarged to include the whole of the South China Sea. Studies of the culture of Chinese carp and other pond fish, and of edible and pearl oysters, are also carried out by the research staff of the Station.

Fisheries. Marine fish is Hong Kong's main primary product and the fishing fleet is the largest of any port in the Commonwealth. Over 10,000 fishing junks of various sizes and designs and 26 Japanese-type trawlers, 12 of which are British registered, are based in the Colony. They are manned by a sea-going population of about 80,000, chiefly Tanka people, and the main fishing centres are Aberdeen and Shau Kei Wan on Hong Kong Island, and Castle Peak, Tai Po and the Tolo Channel area, Sha Tau Kok, Sai Kung, Tai O and Cheung Chau in the New Territories.

Junks are built locally from imported timber, China fir being the most popular material. In recent years continued shortages of fir have led to the increased use of teak and yacal. About 95% of the fleet is owner operated, and the rest are directed by fish dealers and fishing companies.

Purse seiners, gill netters, shrimp trawlers and other inshore vessels operate mainly to the south of the Colony inside the 20 fathom line. The larger junk-type trawlers and long liners have gradually extended their operations and now work mainly in 30- 70 fathoms along the coast of Kwangtung. Many of these deep-sea