ENG-2010 — Page 241

Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries 195

snappers, red drum, mangrove snapper and black spotted croakers in 2010. 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.

Continuous efforts have been made by the AFCD to promote the development of local fish hatchery and nursery. A number of training workshops on induced spawning and fry production of Jade Perch was held in 2010 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. Alternative designs of biofilters are being explored to suit the conditions of different fish culture zones.

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 2010, a total of 15 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 270 000 tonnes of vegetables, 13 000 tonnes of poultry, 48 000 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products, 96 000 tonnes of fruit and 67 000 tonnes of eggs with a combined valued of $5.5 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 development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2010, the organisation handled 156 495 tonnes of vegetables valued at $936 million.

The Fish Marketing Organisation is also a statutory body governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly wholesale marketing services