Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is to issue new marine fish culture licences to encourage advances in technology and best practices.
The new licences will be issued in three fish culture zones: O Pui Tong, Wong Wan and Sham Wan.
An AFCD spokesman said earlier this week that on grounds of environmental impact, the issuing of new fish culture licences has been at a standstill since 1990.
The proposal to issue new licences was welcomed by most of the consulted parties with a view to promoting the sustainable development of the local fisheries industry, the spokesman added.
The three fish culture zones to be issued with a new licence have been identified to have surplus carrying capacity.
Applicants will be required to provide business plans in support of their applications, which are now open until 31 December 2013.
Plans should clearly show how the proposed maricutlure business will be granted a licence for a farm size of no more than 300m² for a period of three years.
Additional conditions may also be imposed on the new licences to ensure smooth and proper implementation of the scheme, and that the operation of the farm will be consistent with the intended purpose.
For more details on applications visit: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/permit/permit_fis/permit_fis.html
