Press Releases
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Consultation on fisheries management proposals begins The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 21) launched a comprehensive consultation exercise on a package of fisheries management proposals to promote sustainable development of the local fishing industry. Priority will be given to setting up a fishing licence system and designating two Fisheries Protection Areas, the department said, before considering an annual territory-wide closed season for fishing. In launching the consultation, Assistant Director (Fisheries) Dr Leung Siu-fai said the proposals were prompted by a continuous decline in fisheries resources within Hong Kong waters. According to the "Consultancy Study on Fisheries Resources and Fishing Operations in Hong Kong Waters" completed in 1998, catches in most areas had fallen by more than 50% since the late 1980s, and fish fry production by 90%. Individual surveys among local fishermen in recent years also pointed to the degradation of local fisheries production. "Fish species of bigger size and higher commercial values such as Groupers have become harder to find in local waters. They are increasingly replaced by smaller and less valuable species including scads and pony fish," Dr Leung said. "Unless effective actions are taken to address the problem, local fishermen may be facing more difficult times ahead." As a first step towards easing the heavy pressure on fisheries resources, the AFCD has proposed that a licensing system be put in place. Under the proposed system, all fishing activities, except recreational fishing, with the use of any vessel in local waters will require a valid fishing licence. Only the owners of local fishing vessels will be issued with licences, which are transferable and valid for two years. The licensing system will bar non-local fishing vessels from access to Hong Kong's fisheries resources and enable the Government to collect important fisheries management data. To help promote recovery of fish stocks, the department has proposed that Tolo Harbour and Porter Shelter be designated as Fisheries Protection Areas. Covering a total sea area of 13,700 hectares, they are important fish spawning and nursery grounds. Within the protection areas, any vessel carrying out fishing activities without a valid permit commits an offence. Fishing permits will be issued only to fishing licence holders who habitually fish in the protection areas. In addition, "no-take" zones will be established within the protection areas in which all fishing activities with the use of any vessel are prohibited. The maximum penalties for conducting fishing activities without a fishing licence or permit are a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months. To further conserve fisheries resources, the department will explore the possibility of introducing an annual "closed season" for fishing, which has been implemented by the Mainland and many other countries including Australia, the USA and Japan. An annual fishing moratorium in the South China Sea by the Mainland authorities takes place in June and July. Dr Leung however emphasised that the proposal would only be implemented at a later stage as necessary, subject to full consultation with the fishing industry, the public and relevant parties. "When implementing any of the proposals, we will provide suitable assistance to local fishermen to minimise any adverse impact," he said. Consultation on the new regulatory framework will be conducted until March 6, 2005. During the process, the department will consult local fishermen together with the related fisheries advisory bodies, academics, green groups, various District Councils, the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene as well as the public. Details of the proposals are available on the department's website at www.afcd.gov.hk. Written comments can be sent to the department at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, 5th Floor, Kowloon; by fax 2311 3731 or by email at fopm@afcd.gov.hk.
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