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Offshore fishing feasible for Hong Kong fishermen A consultancy study on offshore fishing in Hong Kong considered that it would be technically feasible and financially viable for Hong Kong fishermen to venture into offshore fishing. The consultancy study, commissioned by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), had examined issues related to offshore fishing including legal compliance, ways to secure fisheries access, acquisition of fishing vessels and vocational training, availability of supporting and marketing services, and financial considerations. "The consultants pointed out that a commercial business approach should be adopted in pursuing offshore fishing rather than continuing the traditional family-based operation. They were in view of the need to formulate a comprehensive business plan covering the investment, marketing, operational and financing strategy and, in some cases, to attend to legal or contractual issues arising from entering into partnership with other local or foreign companies. "The study had recommended options for development of offshore fishing and also outlined the strategy for implementation," a spokesman for AFCD said today (September 16). Development options recommended by the consultant for immediate implementation by Hong Kong fishermen were those the target resources of which were abundant, sustainable and accessible right away. These included fishing for tunas using small ice-chilled tuna longlining vessels in East Indian Ocean, West Central Pacific Ocean and waters east of Luzon Strait, and fishing for bottom-fish using longlining vessels on southwest grounds of Nansha. "The study pointed out that in order to gain access to the four recommended fishing grounds, Hong Kong fishermen might seek authorisation from the Mainland, set up joint venture with fishing companies in the Mainland or in foreign States, or establish fishing companies themselves in these foreign States. "The study also recommended that Hong Kong offshore fishing vessels might either register with the Mainland or with a foreign coastal State. Fishermen should observe and comply with international fishing laws governing the management and use of fishing resources, as well as those of the Mainland and the foreign States involved," the spokesman said. The study suggested Hong Kong fishermen to acquire the necessary vessels for offshore fishing through modification of existing fishing vessels, purchasing second-hand or construction of new vessels. They should also attend internationally recognised certificate training courses to obtain certificates of competence. The study also examined how fishermen could obtain logistic support to their operation at the recommended fishing grounds. A summary of the findings and recommendations of the consultancy study was tabled in the Legislative Council Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Panel today. "The study's findings would serve as a reference to those fishermen who would like to venture into offshore fishing. AFCD would brief the fishermen on the recommended offshore fishing options and implementation strategy. Individual fishermen would then make a business decision as to whether they would like to pursue such operation after taking into account the investment required and the risks involved," the spokesman added. The department would continue to provide technical support services and credit facilities to fishermen wishing to venture into offshore fishing. In addition, the department would assist fishermen in liaising with the Mainland or foreign government agencies to gather necessary information on offshore fishing operations as necessary. |
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