Press Releases

Measures to help fishermen cope with fishing moratorium
Tuesday, May 31, 2005

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 be 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 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, loans ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 would be made to affected fishermen this year: maximum amount of $40,000 for fishermen whose vessels are under 500 horsepower, $60,000 for fishermen whose vessels are not less than 500 horsepower, and $80,000 for fishermen with extreme financial hardship and whose vessels are not less than 1,000 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 also finance fishermen to study fisheries training courses.

Mainland fisheries officials will also be invited to give talks at a seminar to be held on June 4 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. Various measures to help the fishermen to tide over the two-month period were arranged by concerned government departments.

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.