Hard times at sea

Fishermen face hardships in an industry on the wane

By Josephine Wong

This is no idle scenario, however: The local fisheries are running very low on populations of marine species, and the problem is driving fishermen out of business. Meanwhile, the costs of operations for fishermen are on the increase.

“Sooner or later, Hong Kong people will not have any fish to eat,” said Mrs. Ng, a local fisherwoman who asked that her full name be withheld for this report.

She said, “No more fish can be found in the sea around Hong Kong. Many have died of water pollution caused by seaside construction, as well as reclamation and degeneration (of the marine environment).”

Mr. Cheng Luk Ki, a campaign officer of the Friends of the Earth, said, “Water quality is now affected by factory chemicals and residential and agricultural sewage. The water quality in Tolo Harbour is very poor.”

As a result, many fishermen now go fishing offshore, in the South China Sea. But this requires bigger, more powerful fishing vessels.

Research by Hong Kong’s Civil Engineering Department reveals that fish found in Sha Chau contain high amounts of copper, which is poisonous to human beings.

Fishing methods also threaten the existence of fish in local waters.

They catch all kinds and sizes of fish in Hong Kong waters, and this has reduced the populations.

With long and irregular working hours, fishermen lead very hard lives. They get up at 3 a.m. and return home in late afternoon.

In addition, fishermen face a lot of accidents and challenges at sea.

Mr. Po Tin Sung, 46, an ex-fisherman with more than 20 years’ fishing experience, recalled, “In the past, I went out fishing even when typhoon signal No. 1 was hoisted. There were more fish then, and we could charge a higher price.”

Mr. Po’s son, Mr. Po Kam Wah, 19, said, “I know my father’s job is extremely dangerous. However, I have got used to it.”

Mrs. Ng recalled some past accidents she witnessed. “Sixteen years ago, my father-in-law disappeared when he went out fishing one day. He was found dead four days later, ” she said.

“Also, one of my workers was blown overboard last year. Luckily, we rescued him in time.

“Therefore, we don’t go out when the weather is too bad. It’s too risky, and life is more important.”

With no profits and little savings, fishermen have financial difficulties. High fixed costs and increasing operating costs affect the fishing industry.

The cost of a new boat carrying eight people is about $2.5 million. Most fishermen cannot afford this. They usually buy second-hand vessels, or just small boats that are less efficient.

“For a 10-day trip, it costs more than $100,000 in fuel,” Mrs. Ng said helplessly.

Machines and nets used in fishing are also very expensive. There are three engines in Mrs. Ng’s boat. Excluding the maintenance fees, each engine costs about $100,000.

Not many fishermen are left in the industry now. Those who remain are mostly elderly. Without the help of young people, most fishermen employ Mainland workers.

Mrs. Ng said, “We have six Chinese fishermen on our boat. We pay each of them $3,000 a month and an extra $1,000 to cover application for a visa.”

In addition to the monthly salary paid to the Chinese fishermen, there are some unexpected costs.

If officers from the Immigration Department or the Royal Hong Kong Police discover illegal workers on their boats, the fines are heavy. The workers are also be repatriated to China immediately.

One fisherman said, “One of my workers was arrested 10 days ago. Frankly speaking, hiring illegal workers is very common among fishermen.”

Mr. Sunny Ho Yiu Sun, a spokesman for the Immigration Department, said, “We have immigration control over ships at three checkpoints at sea. Immigration officers conduct clearances and searches for illegal workers on ships.”

According to the laws of Hong Kong, all ships need to be licensed. The Marine Department is responsible for licensing and checking the safety of all registered ships.

According to Mr. Po, some improvements have been made in the industry. Firstly, fishing boats are now more modern with new machines and engines. Weather radar is also common.

Secondly, the sale of fish has become more systematic and fair, through wholesale fish markets organized by the government.

At present, there are seven wholesale fish markets in different districts in Hong Kong, such as in Sai Kung, Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan and Cheung Sha Wan.

Mr. Tsing Sik Ning, secretary of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Fish Trade Workers Union, said, “The hawkers have to pay a 7 percent commission to the wholesale fish markets for each transaction made. Though it decreases the profits of hawkers, it helps to prevent triads’ infiltration in the market.”

However, most fishermen said triad influence is still present.

Due to the tough life encountered by fishermen, some of them hold negative views towards this career. Said Mrs. Ng: “If I had a choice, I would not choose this job.”

Fishing may be a very harsh life, but it is also a memorable experience.

The young Mr. Po said, “Life at sea is different from that ashore. I was closer to nature and met a lot of friends. We swam, we ate and we played together. My childhood was the happiest time in my life.”

June 1996

Return to contents