Fishermen who need help to cope during the annual South China Sea fishing moratorium may apply for low-interest loans and attend training courses to update their skills, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.

From June 1 to August 1, all fishing operations - except gill-netting, long-lining, hand-lining and cage trapping - will be suspended, with a view to conserving fisheries resources and promoting the industry's sustainable development.

The fishing moratorium was first implemented in 1999.

It will affect about 1,400 local fishing vessels, the department says. It reminds fishermen to take the implications of the annual ban into account when planning their yearly operations.

Loans available for those in need

Those with genuine financial difficulties may apply for low-interest loans under the Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund.

Recognising the industry faces hardship prompted by the prolonged high cost of fuel, the fund will loan a maximum of $40,000 to fishermen whose vessels are under 500 horsepower, $60,000 for those not less than 500 horsepower, and $80,000 for those not less than 1,000 horsepower and with extreme financial hardship.

Courses help update skills

During the two-month fishing ban, the department will arrange training courses for fishermen to update their skills. The Marine Fish Scholarship Fund will also finance fishermen to study fisheries training courses.

Mainland fisheries officials will also be invited to give talks at a seminar on June 4 at Two International Finance Centre to update fishermen on the Mainland's fisheries management measures and offshore fishing industry.

The Marine, Police and Fire Services Departments will implement special berthing arrangements, increase patrols and step up publicity to prevent crime and fire in typhoon shelters.