The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Marine Department launched a pilot on 5 November offering groups a taste of fishing life at sea. Fishermen will guide trips in waters from Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay to areas off Lamma Island, where passengers can fish and eat seafood.
The two refitted boats can carry 14 and 30 passengers. A senior fisheries officer said the expected fare is HK$500–600 per person, with a target of three trips a month.
Passenger safeguards include designated areas, handrails, seats on the boarding deck, and lifesaving and firefighting equipment. The boats are to be inspected annually, and guides must complete a one-day course in emergency response and crowd management.
A boat owner told i-CABLE that sales had worsened in recent years. He hopes the trips will provide another source of income and promote Hong Kong’s fishing industry.
The pilot initially offers group sightseeing tours for local residents and visitors. A legislator hopes individual visitors will eventually be able to join, with growing demand potentially bringing more comfortable trips, immersive activities and seafood tastings.