Hong Kong and Guangdong discuss fish policy

Hong Kong talks about enhancement of liaison and co-operation on fisheries development with the officials of the Chinese province.

Permanent Secretary for Food & Health (Food) Marion Lai on Wednesday visited Guangzhou and met officials to relay Hong Kong fishermen’s views on developing capture fisheries in Mainland waters.

She met the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Fishery Administration & Fishing Port Superintendence in the South China Sea Region Guo Jinfu, and officials of the Guangdong Provincial Oceanic & Fishery Administration and the Hong Kong & Macau Floating Fishermen’s Business Office of Guangdong, according to a government report.

Mrs Lai discussed enhancing liaison and co-operation on fisheries development and other issues like floating fishing vessel management and sustainable fishing operations. She briefed them on the Hong Kong Government’s proposed legislation to ban non-selective trawling operations from further damaging the seabed and harming other marine resources.

“After the announcement of the initiative a number of Hong Kong fishermen reflected to us their wish to continue their operations by fishing in the South China Sea after trawling is banned in Hong Kong waters. Some are even considering switching to other modes of operation or to operate in fishing grounds in which fisheries resources are still being developed,” Mrs Lai said.

She noted most Hong Kong trawlers have already obtained capture permits issued by Mainland authorities and operate in Mainland waters from time to time. The Hong Kong Government hopes Mainland authorities will allow Hong Kong fishermen to continue their capture fisheries operations in Mainland waters.