ENG-2013 — Page 211

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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Following a review of the moratorium on the issue of new fish culture licences and raft area extensions and on the designation of new fish culture zones, the AFCD plans to issue up to 30 new marine fish culture licences under a trial scheme in three zones with surplus carrying capacity. The AFCD also plans to expand the area of one existing fish culture zone, allowing the existing rafts to be spread out to improve the culture environment, and to identify suitable sites for possible designation of new fish culture zones.

The AFCD conducts studies and provides technical services to fish farmers to help the sustainable development of the aquacultural industry. To enhance productivity, the department continues to implement a fish health management programme that helps fish farmers prevent, diagnose and contain fish disease. AFCD staff visit fish farms regularly under the AFCD's 'Good Aquaculture Practices Programme' to collect water and fish samples for analysis. Seminars are held for farmers to learn new techniques and good management practices. A total of 112 farms. have joined the AFCD's voluntary 'Accredited Fish Farm Scheme. To get accredited, farms must adopt good practices that raise their hygiene standards and fish quality. Tests, including analysis of drug residues and heavy metals in fish, are conducted to ensure that the cultured fish are fit for consumption. Over 14,000 kilograms of accredited fish of various species were sold under the scheme in 2013. The accredited fish carry tags for easy recognition.

Specially designed artificial reefs known as biofilters are used to improve water quality and seabed conditions at the fish culture 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.

To meet public demand for recreational fishing facilities and to help mariculturists diversify their business, in 2013 the AFCD approved applications by some 50 mariculturists in 12 fish culture zones to operate recreational fishing businesses on licensed fish culture rafts.

To protect the mariculture industry, the department monitors red tides and sends red tide warnings through support groups at the fish culture zones. Warnings are also posted on the AFCD's website and conveyed through press releases. In 2013, eight red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters.

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, the VMO, the Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and the private sector. In 2013, government wholesale markets handled 260,400 tonnes of vegetables, 12,500 tonnes of poultry, 51,600 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products, 103,700 tonnes of fruit and 68,100 tonnes of eggs with a combined value of $6.8 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 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, one in the North District for fresh vegetables, and another in Cheung Sha Wan, for live poultry.

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