New Marine Fish Culture Licences Open to Applications

Background

To further promote and assist fishermen in switching to a modernised and sustainable mode of operation, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has designated Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Mirs Bay, Outer Tap Mun and Po Toi (Southeast) as four new fish culture zones (FCZs). The marine fish culture licences for operation in Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay (North and South) FCZs are now open for applications.

The new FCZs 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 high density polyethylene (HDPE) gravity-type cages with strong wind and wave resistance, together with automated feeding and real-time monitoring systems. Moreover, fishermen will operate aquaculture with intensification of production in the new FCZs instead of the family-based operation on traditional fish rafts, and promote the development of modernised and sustainable aquaculture industry. Persons interested in operating in the above new FCZs may consider applying for marine fish culture licences through funding from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund (SFDF) or self-financing, and develop mariculture businesses.

Event Details:

AFCD will introduce the application procedures and licensing requirements for the new marine fish culture licence for the two FCZs in a briefing on 22 October 2024.

Date: 22 October 2024 (Tuesday)

Time: from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: Hong Kong Playground Association – I+Plus Development and Exchange Centre – Grand Hall

(3/F, MacPherson Place, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon)

Enquiry:

The above briefing is free of charge. For registration or enquiries, please contact the Fisheries Enforcement and Special Projects Division of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department by telephone (2150 7109), fax (2314 2866) or email (fish_lic_enf@afcd.gov.hk).

Submission of application

The applicant shall provide a detailed business plan in support of the application. The business plan shall clearly demonstrate a sustainable mariculture business and show the compliance of the deep-sea cages and the business with the relevant cage requirements as well as environmental protection and mitigation measures respectively as provided in the application form.

Application form [PDF File (Chinese only)]

If the applicant intends to apply for funding support from the SFDF, the applicant shall also submit the SFDF application form [applicable only for applying for New Marine Fish Culture Licences] (Chinese only). Please visit AFCD website for the application form and guideline:

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/sfdf/Application_Details.html

The deadline for application is 16 December 2024.