Press Releases

Study on offshore fishery commences
Saturday, January 22, 2000

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (Saturday) commissioned Binhai Wastewater Treatment & Disposal (HK) Limited to carry out a $2.7-million study on the feasibility of developing offshore fishing in Hong Kong.

Speaking on the consultancy study, Senior Fisheries Officer, Mr Joseph Sham, said: "In recent years, overfishing and coastal development constitute heavy pressure on fisheries resources in Hong Kong waters and the South China Sea.

"There is a need to explore possible modes of fishing operations for a sustainable development of the industry and to maintain a steady supply of fresh fisheries produce to local consumers."

The consultancy study will examine the technical and financial feasibility of establishing an offshore fishing industry for Hong Kong.

Specific tasks include reviewing and analyzing both local and international experiences in offshore fishing practices as well as assessing the socio-economic impacts of offshore fishery on local fishing community.

Mr Sham added that the consultant would recommend an appropriate strategy and implementation plan for the development of offshore fishing in Hong Kong if the project were to be found feasible.

The study is scheduled for completion by October this year.