Press Releases
|
Measures to help fishermen cope with two-month fishing moratorium Measures are in place to help local fishermen cope with the fishing moratorium in the South China Sea this year. According to Mainland authorities, the fishing moratorium this year will last from June 1 to August 1. All fishing operations in the South China Sea will be suspended, except gill-netting, long-lining, hand-lining and cage trapping. A spokesman for Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (May 30): "It is estimated that some 1,400 local fishing vessels will be affected. As the fishing moratorium is an annual event, AFCD has reminded fishermen from time to time that they should take its implications into account when planning their operations every year. "Fishermen who have genuine financial difficulties may apply for low-interest loans under the Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund." During the fishing moratorium, the AFCD will assist in launching a trial scheme to recycle waste lubricating oil collected from fishing vessels and yachts at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. Officials of the Department of Health will also be invited to address fishermen on June 9 on the prevention of atypical pneumonia and dengue fever. The fishing moratorium 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. A Working Group on the Fishing Moratorium, chaired by the AFCD and including fishermen and other government departments concerned, was set up to co-ordinate measures to help local fishermen. The Marine Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department will implement special berthing arrangements, increase patrols and step up publicity in an effort to prevent crime and fire in typhoon shelters.
|
||
 |
||
|
||
|
