Mariculture Raft

🐟 【Mariculture Raft / Fish Rafts】(Marine Fish Culture Zones) are mainly distributed along the coasts of the New Territories and Outlying Islands in Hong Kong[cite: 1]. There are 28 designated zones covering a total area of about 650 hectares, with around 912 licensed operators[cite: 1]. These fish rafts are predominantly family-run businesses with an average size of about 307 square metres[cite: 1]. In 2024, the total production reached approximately 626 tonnes, meeting about 4% of the local demand for live marine fish[cite: 1]. Among them, Yung Shue O is the largest marine fish culture zone in Hong Kong, housing over 100 fish raft operators; Kau Sai Chau combines fishing with tourism and beach activities; while the fish rafts surrounding the Sai Kung town centre have become popular choices for family leisure[cite: 1].—

📌 Basic Information

Item Data / Description

🐟 Number of Culture Zones 28 zones[cite: 1]

🌏 Total Area Approx. 650 hectares[cite: 1]

👩‍🌾 Licensed Operators Approx. 912 operators[cite: 1]

📐 Average Fish Raft Area 307 square metres[cite: 1]

📦 2024 Production Volume 626 tonnes, valued at approx. 💰 HKD 66 million[cite: 1]

🛒 Local Supply Ratio Approx. 4% of local demand for live marine fish[cite: 1]

⚓ Culture Method Using floating rafts suspended with cage nets to breed marine fish; fish fingerlings are mostly imported from Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia[cite: 1]

🐠 Main Species Green Grouper, Russell’s Groupers, Giant Grouper, Star Snapper, Red Snapper, Goldlined Seabream, Mangrove Snapper, etc.[cite: 1]

🍽️ Evolution of Feed From traditional trash fish feeding → Upgraded to wet or dry pellet feed, which offers more balanced nutrition and reduces pollution[cite: 1]

📜 Regulatory System Regulated under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353); operators must be licensed and operate within designated zones[cite: 1]

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🐟 Basic Concept of Fish Rafts

Fish Rafts: Floating wooden rafts or steel-framed platforms on the sea, used for marine fish culture or recreational angling[cite: 1].

Primary Uses:

Marine fish culture (Grouper, Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream, etc.)[cite: 1]

Recreational angling, BBQ, Karaoke, and Mahjong entertainment[cite: 1]

Water sports (Banana boat, wakeboarding, kayaking)[cite: 1]

Ecological education and tourism experiences[cite: 1]

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📍 Geographical Distribution (28 Fish Culture Zones)

Hong Kong’s fish rafts are clustered in sheltered coastal waters with stable water quality, distributed mainly as follows[cite: 1]:

Region Key Features

Sai Kung The largest culture region; fish rafts are densely clustered in areas like Yung Shue O and High Island (Shuen Wan), blending aquaculture with leisure functions[cite: 1]

Tai Po Inner bay waters with stable water quality, ideal for marine fish culture[cite: 1]

Sha Tau Kok Located close to the border, with fish rafts distributed across sheltered waters[cite: 1]

Lamma Island Outlying island waters, where fish raft culture coexists with traditional fishing village heritage[cite: 1]

Castle Peak Bay Western waters, one of the traditional fishing sectors[cite: 1]

Tai O Connected to the fishing village, where fish rafts interweave with stilt house culture[cite: 1]

Cheung Chau Small-scale fish rafts, featuring a blend of fishery and tourism characteristics[cite: 1]

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🎣 Highlight Activities on Fish Rafts

🎣 Angling: Common catches include Grey Mullet, Grouper, and Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1].

🍖 BBQ & Entertainment: Selected fish rafts provide barbecue facilities, Karaoke, and Mahjong sets[cite: 1].

🚤 Water Sports: Banana boat, wakeboarding, and kayaking[cite: 1].

🐚 Ecological Education: Some fish rafts have pivoted to pearl farming, promoting eco-awareness and sustainable fisheries[cite: 1].

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📍 Key Distribution of Hong Kong Fish Rafts

District & Fish Culture Zone Transport Accessibility Fish Species Highlights Tourism & Leisure Functions

Sai Kung · Yung Shue O 🚗 Drive/Taxi from Sai Kung Town Centre + Sampan shuttle[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Grouper, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling, BBQ, Karaoke, Water Sports[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Kau Sai Chau Item Ferry from Sai Kung Pier[cite: 1] Green Grouper, Giant Grouper[cite: 1] 🏖️ Fishing Paradise, Kids’ Net-fishing Zone, Beach Activities[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Chek Keng 🚤 Requires boat; relatively remote[cite: 1] Diverse Marine Fish[cite: 1] ⛺ Glamping + Fishing + Water Sports[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Wong Shek 🚗 Accessible via road, plus pier shuttle[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Bream[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling, limited leisure facilities[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Sha Ha 🚶 Walkable from Sai Kung Town Centre[cite: 1] Common Marine Fish[cite: 1] 🍖 Family Leisure[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan) 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Tai Long Wan (Sai Wan) 🚶 Remote; requires hiking or speed boat[cite: 1] Grouper, Green Grouper[cite: 1] 🌿 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]

Sai Kung · Long Ke 🚶 Remote; requires hiking or speed boat[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1] 🌿 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Tai O 🚌 Direct bus, then transfer to local boat[cite: 1] Traditional Fishing Village Species[cite: 1] 🏚️ Fishing Village Culture, Stilt House Sightseeing[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Pui O 🚗 Southern traffic is fair[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Bream[cite: 1] 🏖️ Beach + Fish Raft Sightseeing[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Shek Pik 🚗 Western traffic is average[cite: 1] Giant Grouper, Green Grouper[cite: 1] 🌿 Quiet Sightseeing[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Tong Fuk 🚗 Southern traffic is fair[cite: 1] Common Marine Fish[cite: 1] 🏖️ Beach Leisure[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Yi O 🚶 Remote; requires walking or boat[cite: 1] Traditional Species[cite: 1] 🌾 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]

Lantau Island · Sham Wat 🚤 Remote; boat transport required[cite: 1] Diverse Fish Species[cite: 1] 🐚 Ecological Education[cite: 1]

Tai Po · Sam Mun Tsai 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling, Fishing Village Culture[cite: 1]

Tai Po · Yim Tin Tsai 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

Tai Po · Shuen Wan 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Green Grouper, Giant Grouper[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

Sha Tau Kok · Sha Tau Kok Public Bay 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

Sha Tau Kok · Yim Tin Tsai East 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Common Marine Fish[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

Sha Tau Kok · Tung Wan 🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1] Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1] 🎣 Angling[cite: 1]

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⚠️ Points to Note

Transport: Visitors need to take a shuttle sampan/boat from the piers, with Sai Kung Town Centre being the most common departure hub[cite: 1].

Rule Variations: Some fish rafts only allow catch-and-release fishing, while others operate on a “catch-and-keep” basis[cite: 1].

Environmental Protection: The government has banned trawling in Hong Kong waters to actively promote sustainable fisheries[cite: 1].

Item	Data / Description
🐟 Number of Culture Zones	28 zones[cite: 1]
🌏 Total Area	Approx. 650 hectares[cite: 1]
👩‍🌾 Licensed Operators	Approx. 912 operators[cite: 1]
📐 Average Fish Raft Area	307 square metres[cite: 1]
📦 2024 Production Volume	626 tonnes, valued at approx. 💰 HKD 66 million[cite: 1]
🛒 Local Supply Ratio	Approx. 4% of local demand for live marine fish[cite: 1]
⚓ Culture Method	Using floating rafts suspended with cage nets to breed marine fish; fish fingerlings are mostly imported from Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia[cite: 1]
🐠 Main Species	Green Grouper, Russell’s Groupers, Giant Grouper, Star Snapper, Red Snapper, Goldlined Seabream, Mangrove Snapper, etc.[cite: 1]
🍽️ Evolution of Feed	From traditional trash fish feeding → Upgraded to wet or dry pellet feed, which offers more balanced nutrition and reduces pollution[cite: 1]
📜 Regulatory System	Regulated under the Marine Fish Culture Ordinance (Cap. 353); operators must be licensed and operate within designated zones[cite: 1]

Region	Key Features
Sai Kung	The largest culture region; fish rafts are densely clustered in areas like Yung Shue O and High Island (Shuen Wan), blending aquaculture with leisure functions[cite: 1]
Tai Po	Inner bay waters with stable water quality, ideal for marine fish culture[cite: 1]
Sha Tau Kok	Located close to the border, with fish rafts distributed across sheltered waters[cite: 1]
Lamma Island	Outlying island waters, where fish raft culture coexists with traditional fishing village heritage[cite: 1]
Castle Peak Bay	Western waters, one of the traditional fishing sectors[cite: 1]
Tai O	Connected to the fishing village, where fish rafts interweave with stilt house culture[cite: 1]
Cheung Chau	Small-scale fish rafts, featuring a blend of fishery and tourism characteristics[cite: 1]

District & Fish Culture Zone	Transport Accessibility	Fish Species Highlights	Tourism & Leisure Functions
Sai Kung · Yung Shue O	🚗 Drive/Taxi from Sai Kung Town Centre + Sampan shuttle[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Grouper, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling, BBQ, Karaoke, Water Sports[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Kau Sai Chau	Item Ferry from Sai Kung Pier[cite: 1]	Green Grouper, Giant Grouper[cite: 1]	🏖️ Fishing Paradise, Kids’ Net-fishing Zone, Beach Activities[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Chek Keng	🚤 Requires boat; relatively remote[cite: 1]	Diverse Marine Fish[cite: 1]	⛺ Glamping + Fishing + Water Sports[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Wong Shek	🚗 Accessible via road, plus pier shuttle[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Bream[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling, limited leisure facilities[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Sha Ha	🚶 Walkable from Sai Kung Town Centre[cite: 1]	Common Marine Fish[cite: 1]	🍖 Family Leisure[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan)	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Tai Long Wan (Sai Wan)	🚶 Remote; requires hiking or speed boat[cite: 1]	Grouper, Green Grouper[cite: 1]	🌿 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]
Sai Kung · Long Ke	🚶 Remote; requires hiking or speed boat[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1]	🌿 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Tai O	🚌 Direct bus, then transfer to local boat[cite: 1]	Traditional Fishing Village Species[cite: 1]	🏚️ Fishing Village Culture, Stilt House Sightseeing[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Pui O	🚗 Southern traffic is fair[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Bream[cite: 1]	🏖️ Beach + Fish Raft Sightseeing[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Shek Pik	🚗 Western traffic is average[cite: 1]	Giant Grouper, Green Grouper[cite: 1]	🌿 Quiet Sightseeing[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Tong Fuk	🚗 Southern traffic is fair[cite: 1]	Common Marine Fish[cite: 1]	🏖️ Beach Leisure[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Yi O	🚶 Remote; requires walking or boat[cite: 1]	Traditional Species[cite: 1]	🌾 Eco-tourism[cite: 1]
Lantau Island · Sham Wat	🚤 Remote; boat transport required[cite: 1]	Diverse Fish Species[cite: 1]	🐚 Ecological Education[cite: 1]
Tai Po · Sam Mun Tsai	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling, Fishing Village Culture[cite: 1]
Tai Po · Yim Tin Tsai	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]
Tai Po · Shuen Wan	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Green Grouper, Giant Grouper[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]
Sha Tau Kok · Sha Tau Kok Public Bay	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Grouper[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]
Sha Tau Kok · Yim Tin Tsai East	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Common Marine Fish[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]
Sha Tau Kok · Tung Wan	🚗 Directly accessible via main road[cite: 1]	Grey Mullet, Yellowfin Seabream[cite: 1]	🎣 Angling[cite: 1]