Cheung Chau Magazine

2009 Dec 15

Legislative Council, Panel on Environmental Affairs paper dated Dec 15th, 2009, recorded following comments from industry’s representatives :

Mr To Kwong-Biu, Chairman of Cheung Chau Fishermen’s Welfare Promotion Association, commented that cross boarder illegal poaching is the major concern. Concentration of fish stock in Marine Park will become even more attractive for illegal fishing with destructive method from mainland.

Government must take enforcement measure to stop poaching and create artificial reefs to increase fish stocks.

Though Hong Kong water is polluted by Pearl River Estuary and its fish harvest only accounted for 2% of total catch even with designation of Marine Park policy.

Mr Chan Fuk of Cheung Chau Fishermen

Industry Association said reclamation work and dumping activities had significantly reduced Hong Kong fish stock.

It is absolutely necessary for Agriculture and Fishery and Conservation Department (AFCD) to enrich fishery resources through mariculture and breeding.

Hong Kong fishermen want to earn living from the sea, not from Comprehensive Social Service Assistance (CSSA).

Mr Ho Yung-hei, Chairman of Cheung Chau Fishermen’s Rights Association, remarked he has been fishing near Centre Island everday and found 20-30 mainland boats illegally cross border to fish, usually with destructive method.

Reports have been filed with Police and no action was ever taken.

He urged Government to take immediate measure to address this issue.

Cheung Chau Fishing Boats