ENG-1971 — Page 106

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

During 1970, the lapinised rinderpest vaccine formerly used was replaced by a tissue-culture vaccine which gives a prolonged immu- nity against the rinderpest disease in cattle. Investigations to estab- lish the incidence of intercurrent disease in both pigs and poultry are being undertaken at the veterinary laboratory.

Legislation requires all imported dogs and cats to be quarantined for six months except those from scheduled countries (UK, Australia and New Zealand) to prevent the introduction of rabies. Stray dogs are caught and detained for observation and, if unclaimed, destroyed in pursuance of the rabies control policy.

FISHING INDUSTRY

As marine fish is one of Hong Kong's main primary products, every effort is made to encourage the development of the fishing industry, to increase supplies of fish and to improve the economic status of fishermen.

The fishing fleet consists of some 5,600 vessels of which about 5,000 are mechanised. The number of fishermen is estimated at 48,000 and the main fishing centres are at Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan, Castle Peak, Tai Po and Sai Kung. The larger part of the fleet is owner-operated, while the remainder is directed by fish dealers and fishing companies.

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Fish ponds totalling 2,500 acres are mainly located in the Yuen Long area. The most important species is the grey mullet, the fry of which are collected along the coastal waters in spring. Other impor- tant species for cultivation include silver carp, grass carp, big-head and mud-carp; a total of 15.1 million of these fry were imported from China and Taiwan during 1971. Total fish pond production in 1971 amounted to 2,257.32 metric tons, representing 8.4 per cent of the local freshwater fish consumption; this quantity is valued at $14.9 million.

Edible oysters are cultivated in Deep Bay. Production amounted to 85.57 metric tons of oyster meat, valued at approximately $942,500. Part of this quantity was dried for export.

MARKETING

There are two principal wholesale marketing organisations serving the agricultural and fishing industries. These are the Vegetable Marketing Organisation and the Fish Marketing Organisation.

The Vegetable Marketing Organisation operates under the Agri- culture Products (Marketing) Ordinance, which provides for a board