Press Releases
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Measures to help fishermen cope with 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 continue 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 31) it was estimated that about 1,400 local fishing vessels would be affected. As the fishing moratorium is an annual event, the AFCD has reminded fishermen from time to time that they should take implications of that 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. In view of the severe hardship facing the industry prompted by the prolonged high fuel price amongst others, the maximum amount of loans made to affected fishermen this year will be increased from $30,000 to $40,000 for vessels under 500 horsepower and $60,000 for vessels not less than 500 horsepower," the spokesman said. During the fishing moratorium, the AFCD will arrange suitable training courses for fishermen to update their skills. The Marine Fish Scholarship Fund will finance fishermen to study fisheries training courses during this period at Shanghai Fisheries University. Mainland fisheries officials will also be invited to give talks at a seminar to be held on June 11 at Two International Finance Centre during which fishermen will be updated on the Mainland's fisheries management measures and offshore fishing industry. 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 Fishing Moratorium, chaired by the AFCD and including fishermen representatives and representatives of other government departments concerned, was set up to co-ordinate measures to help the fishermen. The Marine Department, 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.
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