Steady hand: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow takes a ride on a sampan in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to get a taste of the life led by Hong Kong's fishing community.

The Government will set up a committee to explore the sustainable development of the fisheries industry, with members coming from different sectors, including the agriculture and fisheries sector, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

Dr Chow today visited the Southern District to review the latest community developments there.

He was briefed on the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter -- a refuge for local fishing vessels -- while hitching a ride on a sampan through its waters.

Dr Chow took the opportunity to inform the fishermen that the Government would increase loan funds for them and fish farmers by $250 million to help them tide over the annual fishing moratorium in June and July and to assist them to pursue alternative modes of operation. This is in addition to existing loans.

He was very concerned about the difficulties faced by the fishermen, adding that the loan schemes were measures to help the sector in the short run.

He appreciated that short-term measures could not help resolve a problem that was fundamental in nature and he invited the trade to give views on the development of the fisheries industry.

At the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, Dr Chow received a briefing on the operation of the Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and the Fish Wholesale Market. This was followed by a tour of a fish processing centre set up by the FMO to develop quality fisheries products.

Dr Chow also called at the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre.