Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay new fish culture zones commence

     The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation has designated Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Mirs Bay, Outer Tap Mun and Po Toi (Southeast) as four new fish culture zones in accordance with the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353). Among these, the Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and the Mirs Bay fish culture zones commenced today (December 13).

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said, "To further promote and assist fishermen in switching to a modernised and sustainable mode of operation, the new fish culture zones are designated in open waters with a better current, which facilitates the adoption of modern aquaculture facilities and technology such as steel truss cages or HDPE (high density polyethylene) cages with strong wind and wave resistance, automated feeding and real-time monitoring systems. In addition, fishermen will operate aquaculture with intensification of production in the new fish culture zones instead of the family-based operation on traditional fish rafts. This promotes development of sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture.”

     The AFCD will commence the four new fish culture zones for operation in stages. The Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and the Mirs Bay fish culture zones, with a total area of approximately 440 hectares come into operation today. The AFCD will review the operation in these two fish culture zones including regularly collecting data on fish production and fish culture environment to further improve the planning of the two fish culture zones at Outer Tap Mun and Po Toi (Southeast), and to prepare for commencing these new fish culture zones in due course.

     For information on the designated fish culture zones in Hong Kong, visit the AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mpo/fish_aqu_mpo.html.