ENG-2003 — Page 234

FOOD SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

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Freshwater and brackish water fish are cultured in fish ponds covering some 1 030 hectares, most of which are located in the north-western New Territories where they form part of the wetland system of conservation interest. With the increasing urbanisation of the New Territories, commercial fish pond production has gradually declined. Pond fish culture yielded some 2 110 tonnes, or 6 per cent, of freshwater fish for local consumption.

To promote sustainable development of the fishing industry and to conserve fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters, the AFCD continued to pursue a number of fisheries management and conservation measures and to strengthen enforcement against destructive fishing practices. An artificial reef deployment project, started in 1996, has been completed in 2003. Altogether, artificial reefs with a total volume of 158 300 cubic metres have been deployed at Hoi Ha Wan and Yan Chau Tong Marine Parks, Port Shelter and Long Harbour.

Over 220 species of fish, including many high-valued species such as groupers, breams, snappers and sweetlips, have been using the reefs for feeding, shelter and as spawning and nursery areas. The AFCD also started a trial on releasing shrimp fry in the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park with a view to assessing its effectiveness in enriching Hong Kong's marine resources. Following the completion of the consultancy study on the feasibility of developing an offshore fishing industry in 2002, the department continued to assist fishermen in developing offshore fishing through provision of technical support, liaison services and credit facilities.

To enhance public awareness of the importance of conserving fisheries resources, the AFCD has set up a Fisheries Education Centre in Aberdeen. The centre enables visitors to gain a better understanding of the local fishing industry, fisheries resources and fisheries management measures through exhibits, interactive games and a video show. The Mainland fisheries authorities 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, hand-lining and cage trapping, all fishing operations were banned during this period. About 1 400 Hong Kong fishing vessels were affected. The Government continued to assist affected fishermen to cope with the fishing moratorium through the provision of low-interest loans, supporting services and vocational training.

With the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the local aquaculture industry, the AFCD conducts adaptive development studies and provides technical services to fish farmers. A fish health management programme is in place to help fish farmers minimise losses due to fish disease. Under the programme, departmental staff make regular visits to fish farms to educate farmers on measures to prevent and detect disease, and to provide a fish disease diagnostic service in case of an outbreak. Improved culture techniques and good management practices are also introduced to farmers through seminars, on-farm demonstrations and advisory leaflets.

Traditionally, marine cultured fish are fed with trash fish. In recent years, with the AFCD's support, an increasing number of marine fish farmers have switched to moist or dry pellet feed which reduces pollution and improves both feed efficiency and fish health.

To provide a wider choice of species for culture, the department is identifying new species with good market potential that can be recommended to farmers. A trial culture of high-finned grouper indicated that a fairly good growth rate could be obtained under cage culture conditions and the winter survival rate enhanced with a