ENG-1963 — Page 147

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

commercial fish ponds remained the responsibility of the Agricul- ture and Forestry Department, although the basic research work on pond fisheries is the responsibility of the Co-operative Develop- ment and Fisheries Department.

Marine fisheries extension work includes investigations into and demonstrations of fishing methods, craft and fishing gear; the in- troduction of new fishing techniques; the promotion and sound development of a mechanization programme; the training of fisher- men for certificates of competency as masters and engineers; the instruction of local fishermen in navigation and certain duties in connexion with the culture of pearls. A modified junk-type mechan- ized fishing vessel, the Yuen Ling, is used for general inshore demonstration work and also to carry out experiments with new fishing equipment. A second departmental vessel, the small steel trawler Alister Hardy, was seconded throughout the year on other duties.

Problems such as over-fishing and the conservation of fish resources receive constant attention. Legislation introduced in 1962 provides the necessary authority for comprehensive protection measures, particularly against the use of explosives and toxic substances.

Some interest was shown during the year in constructing a pair of stern-otter trawlers but in present circumstances it is doubtful if this would be economically worthwhile. The trend toward the modification of traditional junk design to meet modern require- ments is being encouraged. In addition to a number of modified shrimp trawlers, several large modified Kwong Sun type deep-sea trawlers are now operating and their design includes radical depar- tures from the usual junk layout. Some of the latest deep-sea pair- trawlers are so designed that they can be readily converted for single boat stern-otter trawling. Another activity of the fisheries extension division is the provision of evening classes of instruction for workers in the junk-building industry: attention is directed mainly towards 'laying-off' the correct lines of a boat, and a mould loft shed has been built to give 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 water fleet, for which it has a capital of $5 million, and the Colonial Development and Welfare Scheme