Hong Kong launches ‘Fish+Fun’ boat plan to boost recreational fishing
Hong Kong’s government on Thursday launched a pilot scheme allowing two fishing boats to carry passengers for recreational fishing trips. The project aims to help fishermen diversify income, with safety checks completed by the Marine Department.
Hong Kong’s government on Thursday launched a demonstration project for the “Fish+Fun” boat plan, marking a new step in the development of recreational fisheries. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said at the launch ceremony that promoting recreational fishing is a key measure under the Sustainable Development Blueprint for Fisheries and Agriculture and has been included in the 2026 Policy Address.
Under the project, two fishing boats have been refitted and certified by the Marine Department as safe for carrying passengers. The government has been studying a “one-boat-two-use” model that allows fishing boats to also operate recreational trips, provided safety conditions are met. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department worked closely with the Marine Department to resolve technical issues related to equipment, licensing and insurance.
A fishermen’s group received financial support from the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund in March to carry out the demonstration project, which is intended to help fishing boat operators upgrade and diversify their businesses. Previously, boats with a Class III licence could only be used for fishing and could not carry passengers.
The “Fish+Fun” concept was first introduced last year under a fish-raft scheme that encouraged fish rafts and inland fish farms to offer recreational fishing. The government said that scheme achieved notable results and has now extended the concept to fishing boats.
The two refitted boats will officially begin offering recreational fishing tours. The trips include fishing, collecting and tasting the catch on the spot, and visiting a fish market to learn about its operations and sales process. The aim is to give the public an immersive experience of local fishing culture, fishery resources and the seafood supply chain.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said it hopes the demonstration project will expand the “Fish+Fun” scheme to sea-based experiences on fishing boats, offering more leisure options for residents and tourists and promoting the diversified development of the industry.