ENG-2001 — Page 189

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Fisheries Development

To promote sustainable development of the fishing industry and to conserve fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters, the AFCD has been working on the implementation. details of fisheries management measures recommended in the Consultancy Study on Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters in consultation with the Working Group on Fisheries Management. Besides addressing the issues relating to the decline of fisheries resources in the traditional fishing grounds for Hong Kong fishermen and to assist fishermen in venturing further afield, the AFCD completed a consultancy study at the end of the year to look into the feasibility of developing an offshore fishing industry for Hong Kong.

Moreover, the department has been implementing an artificial reef deployment project in two phases to enhance fisheries resources and to promote conservation of the marine environment. The first phase, involving deployment of a total of 375 units of artificial reefs at Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks, was completed in 1999. The results are encouraging. Over 140 species of fish, including many high- valued species such as coral trout and green wrasse, have been found using the reefs for feeding, shelter and as spawning and nursery areas. The second phase, which involves the deployment of artificial reefs in Port Shelter and Long Harbour, commenced in September. In addition, the AFCD carried out a trial on releasing fish fry in artificial reef areas in Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks in October to enhance fisheries resources.

The Mainland fisheries authority continued to enforce a fishing moratorium in the South China Sea between June 1 and August 1 to conserve fisheries resources. Apart from gill-netting, long lining and hand-lining, all fishing operations were banned during this period. About 1 400 Hong Kong fishing vessels were affected. To help the industry cope with the fishing moratorium and resume operation afterwards, the AFCD provided low-interest loans under the Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund to affected fishermen with a genuine financial hardship. During the moratorium, the department also offered vocational training for fishermen to help them upgrade their qualifications and skills in vessel operation and knowledge in fisheries management and conservation. The Government also assisted affected fishermen through the provision of support services, including the implementation of special berthing arrangements, strengthened patrols and enhanced publicity to ensure safety and order in typhoon shelters.

To assist fish farmers, the AFCD conducts aquaculture studies and provides technical services towards the development of more efficient fish culture methods and improved husbandry techniques. A fish health management programme is being implemented to help fish farmers minimise losses due to fish diseases. Under the programme, departmental staff make regular visits to fish culture zones to facilitate early detection of disease outbreaks, to advise fish farmers on disease prevention measures and to provide a fish disease diagnostic service in case of an outbreak.

Continuous effort is made in developing feed formulations to replace trash fish, a traditional feed for aquaculture. Since 1994, a moist pellet feed comprising trash fish, fish meal, vitamin mixture and binder has been developed and extended to mariculturists. The use of commercially available dry pellet feeds is also introduced to fish farmers. In comparison with minced/chopped trash fish, these new feed

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