Measures are in place to help local fishermen cope with the fishing moratorium in the South China Sea this year, announced the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Monday.

As estimated by the AFCD, about 1,400 local fishing vessels would be affected during the fishing moratorium, which will last from June 1 to August 1. All fishing operations in the South China Sea will be suspended, except gillnetting, long lining, hand lining and cage trapping during that period.

According to the AFCD, fishermen who have genuine financial difficulties might apply for low-interest loans under the Fish Marketing Organization Loan Fund.

The AFCD will also arrange suitable training courses for fishermen to update their skills during the fishing moratorium. The Marine Fish Scholarship Fund will finance fishermen to study fisheries training courses during this period at Shanghai Fisheries University.

Mainland fisheries officials will also be invited to give talks at a seminar to be held on June 11 in which fishermen will be updated on mainland's fisheries management measures and offshore fishing industry.

The fishing moratorium has been implemented in the South China Sea since 1999 with a view to conserving fisheries resources and promoting sustainable development of the fishing industry.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2004)