The SAR's fishing industry is under threat. Apart from the depletion of fish in Hong Kong waters, there is a shortage of labour. The situation is not helped by legislation that prohibits fishermen's mainland wives and helpers from entering the region.
'Hong Kong's infrastructure projects have destroyed the natural habitat of the fish,' says To Kwong-biu, chairman of Cheung Chau Fishermen's Welfare Promotion Association.
'Moreover, Hong Kong's water is seriously polluted. We've lost 80 per cent of our catch in the past five years. To make up the loss, local fishermen have to work longer hours and sail to mainland waters to catch fish.' For these reasons, what could once be done by two fishermen now requires twice the effort.
Now 95 per cent of Hong Kong's fishermen depend on fish caught in mainland waters. Because the occupation does not attract many Hong Kongers, local fishermen say they are forced to hire helpers from the mainland.
'Hong Kong's younger generation - people who receive a free nine-year education . . . would rather pursue other careers than live the tough life of a fisherman,' Mr To says.
Still, there are about 50,000 fishermen in Hong Kong, some of whom are in their 30s, he says, adding that the dedication of such young people to a life at sea means the industry will be around for at least 20 to 30 years.
