AFCD Holds Launching Ceremony for "Fish enJoy" Scheme Fishing Vessel Demonstration Project, Stepping Towards Diversified Development of Leisure Fisheries

2026-11-05 16:46 Last Updated At：20:13

Launching ceremony of "Fish enJoy" Scheme fishing vessels demonstration project held today to mark step towards diversified development of leisure fisheries

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 5) held the launching ceremony of the "Fish enJoy" Schemefishing vessels demonstration project at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, marking the first time that altered fishing vessels are used to carry passengers to sea and showcasing the diverse appeal of leisure fisheries.

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The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan. Photo source: reference image

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Photo source: reference image

Launching ceremony of "Fish enJoy" Scheme fishing vessels demonstration project held today to mark step towards diversified development of leisure fisheries Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan. Photo source: reference image

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Photo source: reference image

Launching ceremony of "Fish enJoy" Scheme fishing vessels demonstration project held today to mark step towards diversified development of leisure fisheries Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Officiating at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that promoting the development of leisure fisheries is a key measure under the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, and has also been incorporated into the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. The Government has been actively exploring the development of leisure fisheries through the "vessel dual-use" model, subject to specific safety conditions and safe operation. Through close collaboration between the AFCD and the Marine Department (MD), technical matters relating to vessel equipment and licensing and insurance arrangements have been resolved. Fishermen's groups also received financial support from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund in March this year to launch the demonstration project, helping capture fishermen in upgrading, transforming and exploring more business opportunities.

Fishing vessels licensed as Class III vessels have long been used for fishing only and are not permitted to carry passengers. To promote the sustainable development of fisheries, and following the launch of the "Fish enJoy" Scheme last year, which encouraged fish rafts and inland fish farms to develop leisure fisheries and has achieved notable success, the AFCD has decided to extend the "Fish enJoy" concept to fishing vessels.

Safety is the top priority of the "vessel dual-use" demonstration project. With the support of the Fund, two fishing vessels have completed alterations, and have been confirmed by the MD as meeting the safety requirements for navigation and carrying passengers at sea. The two altered fishing vessels will officially commence operation and offer leisure fisheries experiential tours. The itinerary includes fishing activities, collecting catches and tasting freshly caught seafood on the spot, as well as visiting the wholesale fish markets to learn about their operations and sales processes. Through comprehensive and immersive experiences, the public's understanding of local fishermen's culture, local fisheries resources and the seafood supply chain will be deepened.

The AFCD hopes that this demonstration project will expand the "Fish enJoy" Scheme to sea-based experiences on fishing vessels through practical operations, thereby providing members of the public and visitors with richer leisure options and advancing the diversified development of the industry.

Labour Department Investigates Fatal Construction Accident in Sha Tin, Urges Enhanced Safety Measures

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Sha Tin today

The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened on a construction site in Sha Tin this morning (November 5). While washing vehicle tyres on the vehicular lane at a site entrance, a female worker was run over by a grab lorry to death. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to the deceased’s family members.

The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending any work on the vehicular lane at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."

The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if any violations are found during the investigation."

To prevent workers from being struck by vehicles, the LD reminds employers to take adequate precautionary measures, including placing suitable barriers to segregate workers from vehicular lanes. If setting up barriers is not feasible, employers shall ensure that workers keep a safe working distance from vehicles. In addition, employers shall provide reflective vests to workers and ensure their proper use.

The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

AFCD Holds Launching Ceremony for "Fish enJoy" Scheme Fishing Vessel Demonstration Project, Stepping Towards Diversified Development of Leisure Fisheries