2019/01/17
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First batch of applications approved under Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund
Monday, March 30, 2015

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (March 30) that two projects have been approved under the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund (SFDF).

The two approved projects are:

* "Mariculture using enclosure net cages" by New Tung Fu Loy Aquafarm Limited for a period of 36 months with a grant capped at $6,358,986; and
* "Fisheries-related eco-tour guide training programme for fishermen (north-eastern waters)" by the Environmental Association Limited for a period of 24 months with a grant capped at $2,349,600.

The mariculture project involves using large enclosure net cages extending from the water surface down to the seabed and culture of white flower croaker (mainly for its swim bladder to produce fish maw) together with two other species, namely giant grouper and pampano. Both the culture system and white flower croaker are new to Hong Kong. In addition, the company concerned is set up by former trawler fishermen. The project, if successful, will provide very useful information for both the aquaculture and fishing sectors, particularly trawler fishermen affected by the trawl ban.

The fisheries-related eco-tour guide training programme seeks to help fishermen develop or switch to fisheries-related ecotourism business by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills as well as practical experience in operating eco-tours. The training programme will cover a wide range of topics including planning and design of tour programmes and routes, tour guide techniques, business management and administration, and marketing and promotion.

The applications were supported by the Advisory Committee on SFDF at a meeting on March 27.

Since the fund opened application in July last year, a total of 15 applications have been received and vetting is in progress.

The $500 million SFDF was set up by the Government in 2014 to help the local fishing community move towards sustainable or high value-added operations so that the trade can enhance its overall competitiveness and cope with new challenges.

Eligible applicants include legal entities that have demonstrated a close connection with the local fisheries industry such as local incorporated companies, registered fisheries co-operatives, non-profit-making fisheries organisations, non-governmental organisations and social enterprises, as well as academic and research institutions in Hong Kong.

The projects should contribute in a direct and practical way towards the sustainable development of the local fisheries industry. The benefits they bring about must accrue to the local fisheries community as a whole.

For details of the fund and application guidelines, please visit the AFCD website (www.afcd.gov.hk).

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