ENG-2009 — Page 248

188 | Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Together, they sold over 25 000 kilogrammes of the accredited fish, comprising pompano, grey mullets and green groupers in 2009. The accredited fish carry tags bearing the scheme's label, 'Accredited Fish Farm Scheme', for easy recognition. The AFCD works with the Fish Marketing Organisation to encourage the industry to develop quality brand names.

The AFCD set up an experimental fish hatchery in Ta Kwu Ling in 2008 to help farmers rear fish more efficiently. In 2009, the department conducted a large-scale study on live feed production for marine fish fry in conjunction with a Mainland fisheries development centre. A training workshop on live feed production and a study tour to a Mainland fisheries development centre and fish hatchery in Guangdong were organised in August 2009 for fish farmers. The department also held a training workshop on induced spawning and fry production of Jade Perch in August 2009 to help fish farmers acquire the necessary techniques.

Specially designed artificial reefs known as biofilters are used to improve water quality and seabed conditions at the fish culture zones. There are biofilters at these zones at Kau Sai, Sham Wan and Lo Tik Wan.

The department continues to monitor red tides to protect the mariculture industry. It is now able to detect these tides as they start to form and take early action to deal with them. Red tide warnings are disseminated through support groups at the fish culture zones. Warnings are also posted on the AFCD's website and conveyed through press releases. In 2009, a total of 16 red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters.

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, the Vegetable Marketing Organisation, the Fish Marketing Organisation and the private sector. During the year, Government wholesale markets handled 280 000 tonnes of vegetables, 12 000 tonnes of poultry, 45 000 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish. products, 95 000 tonnes of fruit and 62 000 tonnes of eggs with a combined valued of $4.9 billion.

The Western Wholesale Food Market and the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market are the two largest composite wholesale food markets managed by the department. The Western Wholesale Food Market, for example, accommodates markets for freshwater fish, vegetables, fruit and eggs, enabling customers to purchase a wide range of fresh foods under one roof.

The AFCD also manages two temporary wholesale markets, in the North District for fresh vegetables, and in Cheung Sha Wan, for live poultry.

The Vegetable Marketing Organisation is a statutory body governed by the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly wholesale marketing services for the sale of vegetables. It charges a commission on the vegetables sold, and in return provides trading facilities, transport and pesticide residue testing services to farmers and traders. Surplus income is channelled back into farming