Press Releases

Government measures to help fishermen
Friday, April 6, 2001

The Government announced today (April 6) a series of measures to help local fishermen to cope with the fishing moratorium in the South China Sea this year.

It follows the notification by the Bureau of Fisheries Management and Fishing Port Superintendence of the Ministry of Agriculture in the Mainland that the fishing ban, starting from June 1 to August 1, 2001, would cover all fishing operations except gill-netting, long-lining and hand-lining.

The Working Group on Fishing Moratorium, chaired by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), met today to discuss issues related to the fishing moratorium.

"As the fishing moratorium is an annual exercise, AFCD has reminded fishermen from time to time that they should take into account its implications in planning their operation every year. No special loans or special Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme would be made available this year.

"However, affected fishermen who have genuine financial difficulties may apply for low interest loans under the Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund," a spokesman for AFCD said.

During the fishing ban, AFCD would continue to provide vocational training for fishermen. Mainland fisheries officials would also be invited to give talks to local fishermen on the fishing moratorium and general fisheries management measures.

Members of the Working Group including the Marine Department, Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department would continue to ensure safety and order in typhoon shelters through implementing special berthing arrangements, strengthening patrols and enhancing publicity to alert fishermen on prevention of fire and crime.

The spokesman said it was estimated that some 1,400 local fishing vessels would be affected in the exercise. The fishing ban was implemented in the South China Sea for the first time in 1999 with a view to conserving fisheries resources and promoting sustainable development of the fishing industry.

"Meanwhile, AFCD would continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities on issues related to the fishing moratorium," he added.