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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Specially designed artificial reefs known as biofilters are used to improve water quality and seabed conditions at fish culture zones at Yim Tin Tsai (East), Kau Sai, Sham Wan and Lo Tik Wan. Alternative biofilter designs are being explored to suit the conditions of different fish culture

zones.

To meet public demand for recreational fishing and to help mariculturists diversify their business, 48 mariculturists in 10 fish culture zones have the department's approval to operate recreational fishing businesses on licensed fish culture rafts.

The department monitors red tides and issues red tide alerts through support groups at the fish culture zones and via its website, press releases and the Short Message Service, to reduce the impact of red tides on the mariculture industry. In 2017, 15 red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters.

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, VMO, Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and private sector. In 2017, government wholesale markets, namely the Western Wholesale Food Market, Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market, Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market and North District Temporary Wholesale Market for Agricultural Products, handled 240,617 tonnes of vegetables, 90,873 tonnes of fruit, 66,102 tonnes of eggs, 41,196 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products and 8,029 tonnes of poultry, with a combined value of $6 billion.

The VMO is a statutory body governed by the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides farmers and traders with wholesale marketing services, including trading facilities, transport and pesticide residue tests, in return for a commission on the vegetables sold. Surplus income is ploughed back into farming development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2017, the VMO handled 99,000 tonnes of vegetables valued at $718 million.

The FMO is governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides wholesale marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from commission charged on fish sales and fees charged for the use of the market facilities. Surplus earnings are channelled back to the fisheries industry by way of low-interest loans to fishermen, outlay that improves market services and facilities, and training grants and scholarships for the fishermen and their children. In 2017, some 45,020 tonnes of marine fish valued at $3.7 billion were sold through the FMO. The organisation also develops fish products at its processing centre to promote the quality of local products.

Websites

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: www.afcd.gov.hk Food and Environmental Hygiene Department: www.fehd.gov.hk

Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk

Internet Memorial Service: www.memorial.gov.hk

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