2019/01/17
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AFCD cancels licences of five mariculture rafts
Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The licences of five mariculture rafts at Tiu Cham Wan fish culture zone in Sai Kung were cancelled by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 24) for breaching the Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences. The structures on these rafts exceeded the permitted area and they were used for purposes not related to mariculture activities.

An AFCD spokesman said, "According to the Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences, the construction of sheds and easily removable canopies on mariculture rafts is permitted. The sheds are intended only for keeping watch or storage of machinery and equipment for mariculture use. The permitted area of such structures is set out in the licence.

 "Staff of the AFCD found in an inspection in April 2015 that the area of the structures on the five rafts concerned ranged from some 40 square metres to 215 square metres, exceeding the permitted area which ranges from 9 to 18 square metres, and they were used for purposes not related to mariculture. Several warning letters have been issued to the licensees requesting for the removal of the unpermitted structures and rectification of other violations. However, the irregularities remained unrectified by the date specified. The AFCD therefore cancelled the licences of the rafts concerned."

According to the Marine Fish Culture Regulations, no licensee shall erect or permit to be erected any structure on a raft except with the written permission of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, who shall specify in the permission the dimensions of the structure permitted and any conditions to which the permission is subject.

The spokesman added, "Marine Fish Culture Licence holders and operators of mariculture rafts are reminded to conduct their business in compliance with the relevant laws and conditions. Contravention of the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance, Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences may be subject to prosecution and cancellation of licence."

To report suspected irregularities, the public can notify the AFCD by calling 1823.

Ends
The licences of five mariculture rafts at Tiu Cham Wan fish culture zone in Sai Kung were cancelled by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for breaching Marine Fish Culture Regulations and conditions of the licences. Staff of the AFCD put up notices on the rafts today (November 24). Non-permitted structures were erected on the five connected mariculture rafts at Tiu Cham Wan fish culture zone.