Tips and techniques: The Aberdeen Fisheries Education Centre has opened, to showcase the local fishing industry and Hong Kong's fisheries resources.

The Aberdeen Fisheries Education Centre has opened, to showcase the local capture fishing industry and Hong Kong's fisheries resources.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department set up the 190-square-metre centre, which has an exhibition room, an activity room and an audio-visual room.

"Through a series of exhibits, display boards, interactive games and a video show, the centre features various types of fishing vessels, fishing gear, seafood and fisheries management measures," Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Thomas Chan said at the centre's opening ceremony today.

The department hopes the centre will raise public understanding of the local fishing industry and enhance awareness of the need to conserve fisheries resources and marine environment.

This will increase support of our fisheries management measures for the sustainable development of the local fishing industry.

Laws against destructive fishing practices enforced

Combating destructive fishing practices by enforcing the Fisheries Protection Ordinance is one of AFCD's fisheries management measures, Mr Chan said. Over the past two months, three people have been fined $60,000 for using destructive fishing methods.

Other fisheries management measures include using artificial reefs, restocking fish and prawn fry, and establishing marine parks and a marine reserve.

Other measures under consideration include setting up a fishing licence system and fisheries protection areas, and implementing a fishing moratorium in Hong Kong waters, Mr Chan said.

Aberdeen is one of Hong Kong's oldest fishing ports, with about 800 fishing vessels and more than 2,000 fishermen. Mr Chan hoped the centre would serve as a new attraction for both residents and tourists. Admission is free.

How to get there

The Fisheries Education Centre is located on the first floor, Aberdeen Fisheries Office, 100A Shek Pai Wan Road in Aberdeen. School and group visits are welcome from Monday to Friday through a booking system.

Application forms can be downloaded from the department's website, www.hk-fish.net. Completed forms should be returned by mail, by fax to 2814 0018 or by email to fishnet@netvigator.com.