ENG-1974 — Page 85

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

All cattle and pigs imported for food are also quarantined on arrival in Hong Kong, and any imported for breeding purposes are subject to strict health certifica- tion and isolation procedures.

Fishing Industry

The production of fish is one of Hong Kong's most important primary industries. Government policy is to increase landings of fish, thus improving the socio-economic status of fishermen, and to meet the projected demand growth for this protein-rich food item.

More than 150 fish species of commercial importance are present in the areas fished by the local fleet. The total quantity of fish and fishery products has increased from 105,000 metric tons (valued at $230_million) in 1968, to 138,069 metric tons (valued at $517 million) in 1974, an increase of 31 per cent by quantity and 125 per cent by value. Marine fish landings amounted to 94,711 metric tons at a wholesale value of $310 million, and supplied 89 per cent of the consumer demand.

The fishing fleet totals some 5,600 vessels of which about 92 per cent are fitted with engines and mechanical aids. A large proportion of the fleet is owner-operated and provides employment for an estimated 47,000 fishermen, plus accommodation for them and their families.

Fish ponds totalling 3,450 acres are located in the New Territories, principally in the Yuen Long area. The main species raised is grey mullet but other important species are carp and big-head. Total pond production for 1974 was 3,394 metric tons valued at $28 million which met 11.9 per cent of local consumption. During the year, 12.4 million fish-fry, for stocking ponds, were imported from China and Taiwan. Grey mullet fry are caught locally.

Marine fish culture is steadily growing in importance as the demand for live fish increases. This business involves the growing of marine fish from fry or fingerling stages to marketable size in cages suspended in the sea. It is estimated that 877 families were so engaged during 1974 and the total value of fish produced was in the region of $13.3 million.

Marketing

Much of the wholesale marketing of primary products, particularly fresh foods, is a responsibility of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, and of the fish and vegetable marketing organisations administered by that department. Retail fresh food marketing is a matter for the Urban Council and for the Urban Services Depart- ment.

The local agriculture and fishing industries are served by the vegetable and fish marketing organisations. During the year 34 per cent of the total quantity of locally produced vegetables, and 77 per cent of the total landings of marine fish, were wholesaled through those two marketing organisations.