Restocking Exercises in Northeast Waters of Hong Kong 2024

Background

To conserve and enhance fisheries resources, as outlined in the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries released in December 2023, a fish restocking exercise was held on 6^th June 2024, in alignment with the National Fish Release Day and other nationwide efforts. This event brought together about 100 representatives from local religious groups, fishery bodies, green groups and students (Figures 1-2). An educational event was also organised in July 2024, allowing students to participate in the restocking activity (Figure 3). These initiatives aim to restore and enhance aquatic resources as well as raising public awareness of the conservation of aquatic resources and the need to improve the aquatic habitat.

Figure 1.  Launching ceremony of the fish restocking exercise on National Fish Release Day at the Tai Po Fish Marketing Organisation		Figure 2.  Passing of fish fingerlings for release at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park on the National Fish Release Day

Figure 3.  Students participating in another restocking activity in July 2024

Restocking Species

In 2024, about 36,000 fish fingerlings were released during the two restocking exercises. The fingerlings included Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara, Figure 4), star snapper (Lutjanus stellatus, Figure 5) and black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii, Figure 6). All species selected are native and of high commercial value, with populations that have declined in Hong Kong over the past few decades.

Figure 4. Hong Kong grouper, Epinephelus akaara		Figure 5. Star snapper, Lutjanus stellatus

 

Figure 6. Black seabream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii

Release Sites

Fish fingerlings were released at Yan Chau Tong Marine Park (YCTMP), chosen for its suitable habitats, including natural rocky reefs, boulders and artificial reefs previously deployed by AFCD, which provide protection and sufficient food supply to the fingerlings released. In addition, commercial fishing has been prohibited in this area since 2020, offering further protection for these species.

 

Preparation and Procedures for Release

The restocking exercises were carefully planned in accordance with relevant guidelines to minimise the impacts on the marine environment. The fish fingerlings were sourced from reputable hatcheries, with broodstock originating from the South China Sea. Prior to release, the fingerlings were tested for common fish diseases and underwent acclimatisation in local waters to ensure optimal conditions for release. On-site, acclimatisation was further facilitated using a custom cage trap immersed in seawater to reduce handling stress. Divers gradually transferred the cage trap from the transport vessel to the underwater site (Figure 7) before releasing the fingerlings (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Divers gradually transferred the cage trap to the underwater site, allowing fingerlings to acclimate to the release area		Figure 8. Divers released fingerlings at artificial reefs

 

Monitoring surveys

AFCD has conducted underwater visual surveys post-release to monitor the condition of the released fingerlings and the release sites, using a standardised survey methodology. The information obtained from these surveys will support our planning for future resources enhancement measures.

 

This link will open in a new windowAFCD restocks fish on National Fish Releasing Day 2024 (video)