Press Releases

AFCD releases fish fingerlings in marine park
Friday, October 19, 2001

Some 30,000 fish fingerlings are being released by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Yan Chau Tong and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Parks from October 15 to 24 to assess the cost-effectiveness and suitability of adopting fish restocking as a fisheries resources enhancement measure in Hong Kong waters.

AFCD Senior Fisheries Officer (Fisheries Management) Dr Leung Siu-fai said today (October 19), "15,000 green grouper and 15,000 red fish fingerlings are being released at the artificial reef sites in Yan Chau Tong and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Parks. The area provides a suitable habitat for fish growth and adequate protection from commercial fishing activities."

"To prevent depleting natural fingerling resources, artificially propagated fingerlings from brood stocks caught in Hong Kong or adjacent waters are used. All fingerlings are kept in good health and free from pathogens or parasites.

"To facilitate monitoring work, the fingerlings are tagged. Underwater observation will be conducted at regular intervals for one year. We will also assess the performance of selected species in terms of its enhancing effect on the local fisheries resources and its impact on wild stock and ecosystem," Dr Leung said.

He said the Government was pursuing various management measures, including the artificial reef programme and restocking of fish fingerlings, to conserve fisheries resources and establish sustainable fisheries.

"Restocking of fish fingerlings for the purpose of enhancing and restoring fisheries resources has been practiced in many parts of the world. It is also a fisheries management measure most acceptable to fishermen," Dr Leung added.