ENG-1991 — Page 151

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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Fisheries Development

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department conducts a wide spectrum of studies on marine resources, aquaculture and the environmental impact of development activities on fisheries, to assist the development of the local fishery industry.

Marine resource studies emphasise optimising production from currently exploited fisheries resources and exploring the potential of under-developed resources. During the year, the department conducted a joint fishing trip with fishermen to demonstrate the recently-introduced baited trapping technique for cost-effective harvesting of new prawn resources located in the South China Sea at depths between 500 and 1 000 metres. In July, Hong Kong hosted the 7th session of the Committee for the Development and Management of Fisheries in the South China Sea. The session was attended by delegates from five countries and explored the most effective means of fisheries development in the South China Sea region.

Aquaculture studies are directed towards the development of more efficient culture systems and improved husbandry techniques to increase productivity and minimise impact on the environment. The feasibility of open sea cage culture is being explored with a view to introducing marine fish culture to more exposed coastal waters. Marine environment studies are conducted to assess the impact of pollution and red tides on fisheries, particularly mariculture operations, to help the industry minimise production losses.

Fisheries development work includes modernising fishing craft and introducing more efficient fishing gear and navigational aids. A free advisory service on fishing vessel hull design, fishing methods and fishing equipment is available to fishermen while studies are conducted to assess the suitability of new fishing gear and methods for local application. Training classes in navigation, engineering, radiotelephony, use of ancillary equipment such as radar and weather facsimile, and seminars on safety on board fishing vessels at sea are organised regularly at major fishing ports.

The department also advises local fishermen interested in building steel-hulled fishing vessels and organises sea-fishing endorsement courses to train and qualify them to operate these vessels. In 1991, one such training course was conducted, training 15 fishermen.

The department administers four loan funds servicing the fishing fleet. The Fisheries Development Loan Fund with a capital of $7 million provides long-term capital for the development of improved vessels, gear and equipment. The World Refugee Year Loan Fund, the Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund and the Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere Loan Fund with total capital of $25.55 million at the end of 1991, are revolving funds which provide shorter-term financing for recurrent expenses for fishermen. By December 31, loans issued since the inception of these four funds totalled $224 million, with $202 million having been repaid.

At the end of the year, 2 081 fishermen were members of co-operative societies and there were 64 societies and four federations supported by fisherfolk.

Close contact with the fishing community is maintained by liaison with producer associations and fishermen's co-operative societies through eight Fish Marketing Organi- sation liaison offices at the major fishing ports.

Marketing

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Much of the wholesale marketing of primary products – particularly fresh foods - is the responsibility of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the Vegetable and Fish