Hong Kong’s promotion of leisure fisheries took another step forward on Thursday as the government-funded “Fish enJoy” initiative was extended to fishing vessels, which have traditionally been restricted to fishing only.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced a 12-month pilot project for fishing vessels. “Fish enJoy” was launched in September 2025 to encourage mariculture rafts and fish farms to offer leisure activities.
Mariculture is the farming of marine organisms for food and other products, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, jewelry, and cosmetics, in either the natural marine environment or land- or sea-based enclosures.
Two fishing vessels, measuring 24 meters and 15 meters in length respectively, have completed modifications and been certified as safe to carry passengers at sea.
“Ensuring safety is the primary principle,” Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said at a launch ceremony at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market.
The retrofits focused on essential safety measures, including seating, life-saving equipment, and firefighting tools. The vessels received funding of HK$350,000 ($44,620) and HK$200,000 respectively from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund.
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During the ceremony, fishermen aboard the vessels demonstrated how to haul a fish cage and a fishing net.
The vessels will soon provide leisure tours for families, schools and corporate groups. Fares are expected to range from HK$500 to HK$600 per person, according to the authorities.
Tse said the project showed the government’s commitment to helping the fishing community explore new business opportunities.
He added that participating fishermen can boost their incomes while offering visitors an “all-around immersive experience of Hong Kong’s fisheries culture” through leisure fishing, onboard seafood tasting, and seafood market tours.
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Joanne Lee On-on, a senior fisheries officer overseeing fisheries management at the AFCD, said the pilot vessels will operate under temporary regulatory exemptions to test market viability, with over 1,000 passengers expected during the trial period.
Lam Kong-hei, a senior surveyor of ships and local vessel safety at the Marine Department, said the pilot vessels must meet specific standards, such as requirements for fiberglass hull construction and cabin height. Operators and crew members must also complete a one-day training course in crisis response and crowd control, he added.
As of Oct 31, 76 eligible fish farms had joined the initial “Fish enJoy” program. Under the program, they were allowed to operate ancillary businesses and organize activities such as leisure fishing, on-farm sales of self-cultivated fisheries products, and fisheries education experiences like guided tours and workshops.
Contact the writer at hazelwong@chinadailyhk.com
