ENG-1970 — Page 97

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

totalled 1,288,779 piculs (77,944 metric tons) valued at $136,773,261. The Government's aim is to encourage the development of the fishing industry, to increase supplies of fish and to improve the economic status of the fishermen.

The fishing fleet consists of some 6,200 vessels of which more than 5,000 are mechanised. The number of fishermen is estimated at 50,000 and the main fishing centres are at Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan, Castle Peak, Tai Po and Sai Kung. The largest part of the fleet is owner-operated while the remainder is directed by fish dealers and fishing companies.

A major breakthrough in local fisheries development was achieved in 1965 with the successful introduction of a prototype 66-foot wooden stern otter trawler designed by the Fisheries Branch. Other modern designs include the 86-foot wooden pair trawler and long-liner, and the 54-foot long-liner. Over 30 of these have been built with financial and technical assistance from Govern- ment and over 100 with private funds.

Close contact with the fishing community is maintained through the extension service and by liaison with fishermen's co-operative societies. A large number of these co-operative societies operate their own revolving loan fund schemes which continue to grow in size and effectiveness. The position of registered fishermen's co- operative societies as at December 31, 1970 is shown in Appendix 24. Extension work also includes the training of fishermen for certificates of competency as local masters and engine operators, and the instruction of local fishermen in navigation.

The Fisheries Development Loan Fund, administered by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, is allotted specifically for the development of the distant water fleet, for which it has a capital of $5 million. The World Refugee Year Loan Fund for Co-operative Societies, made available in 1954 by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, also assists members of fishermen's co-operative societies. There is close co-operation with the Fish Marketing Organisation, which administers two other funds and investigates applications for loans from all four. Together they provide capital of more than $9 million for the development of the industry.