ENG-2001 — Page 190

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

142

formulations have significantly reduced pollution caused by fish feed and improved both feed efficiency and fish health.

The AFCD has also strengthened its red tide monitoring and management measures with a view to minimising the impact of red tides on mariculture. The monitoring capability has been further upgraded. In addition to proactive phytoplankton monitoring before the formation of a red tide and the establishment of an outreach team to provide rapid responses to red tide reports, the department has installed a computerised system to enhance its capability and efficiency in red tide monitoring. Using the technology of the Geographic Information System, the new system is able to visualise the spatial and temporal distribution of red tides and provides quick analysis of their development and movement. Red tide warnings are disseminated to mariculturists and the public through the red tide support groups set up in different fish culture zones, press releases and the AFCD web site. To further explore mitigatory measures to reduce the effect of harmful red tides, a study has been conducted on the feasibility of using clay to remove such harmful algal blooms.

Marketing

Much fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, the Vegetable Marketing Organisation and the Fish Marketing Organisation. The Western Wholesale Food Market and the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market Phase I are the two biggest market complexes developed and managed by the department. Each is an integration of several markets. The Western Wholesale Food Market, for example, accommodates markets for freshwater fish, vegetables, fruit, poultry and eggs and allows buyers to purchase a variety of fresh food produce under one roof.

Apart from these market complexes, the AFCD also manages two temporary wholesale markets, one in North District and the other in Cheung Sha Wan, for vegetables and poultry respectively. The plan for the development of Phase II of the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market is being reviewed in the light of views expressed by the trade associations concerned.

During the year, the Government's wholesale markets handled 324 000 tonnes of vegetables, 59 000 tonnes of poultry, 44 000 tonnes of freshwater fish and fisheries products, 111 000 tonnes of fruit and 54 000 tonnes of eggs. The total value amounted to $4.6 billion.

The Vegetable Marketing Organisation is established as a non-governmental body providing vegetable wholesale marketing facilities. It operates a vegetable wholesale market at Cheung Sha Wan, set up under the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance on a non-profit-making basis. It charges commission on the vegetables sold and in return provides trading facilities, transport, accounting, and pesticides residue testing services to farmers and traders. Any surplus is ploughed back into the development of farming and the provision of scholarships for farmers' children. The organisation handled 265 000 tonnes of vegetables valued at $836 million.

The Fish Marketing Organisation is a statutory body established under the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from charging commission on the proceeds of sales. Surplus earnings are channelled back into the industry through the provision of low-interest loans to fishermen, improved services and facilities in the markets and