漁樂指南｜Southern Splash - Vol 1 2023

聽漁民故事 回味無窮

漁家嚮導

項 目總監 譚健樂

「究竟幾時有得飛呀？」、 「好想再去旅行呀！」

還記得疫情時，人們盼望能再走遍 萬水千山。漁家嚮導項目總監、 社會企業「街坊帶路」共同創辦人

及行政總監譚健樂（ Luke ）， 在那段被迷霧濃罩的日子，以長跑

來鍛鍊身心。他由長沙灣的 家門前，跑啊跑到來南區香港仔，

腦袋思索著一個問題：究竟旅遊的 意義是甚麼？這個問題，也是他 策劃「漁家嚮導」項目的緣起 。

Luke 記得，疫情下的那天，他想離開一下熟悉的社區，讓自己能在比較遙遠而陌生的環境下得以放鬆，就像去旅行一樣。「當我 跑到來香港仔的時候，真的有心曠神怡的感覺，這裏的大海會令人自自然然感到舒服。香港仔是個能令人轉換心情的好地方，我開始 想了解這個社區多些。」這一份渴求探索的好奇心，就像昔日他飛到陌生國度旅遊時的一樣。

Luke 發現，香港仔是個很適宜旅遊的地方，「除了環境可以令人心情豁然開朗，這裡的人也很特別。我看到海面上有漁民，他們是 怎樣捕魚呢？他們在岸上推著個大大的藍色桶，內裡有甚麼魚、在哪兒賣？我跑步經過的香港仔魚市場是怎樣運作的？跟我們平日吃 的海鮮有甚麼關係？」

香港仔刺激他滿腦子疑問，念念不忘。後來有一天，他看到漁農自然護理署漁業持續發展基金推出南區休閒漁業資助項目，他便 靈機一觸。「疫情下，大家發現香港原來有很多具特色的地方可以探索。 我也察覺到香港仔是一個具有濃厚漁民色彩的社區，亦有 一些休閒漁業體驗活動。我便想：如何可以提升這些活動的質素和吸收力，成為人們旅遊的一個選項？」

Luke （左圖：中；右圖：右二）在漁家嚮導的漁民體驗活動帶領員培訓課程中，與學員交流。

傳承漁民文化

Luke 看到南區（包括香港仔、鴨脷洲、黃竹坑、南丫島）已有不少吸引遊客的陸上活動，例如主題公園、行山徑等，但似乎以漁民為 核心的海上旅遊體驗活動並不多，那麼，眼前可是一個契機？「有質素的旅遊，具有獨特和體驗的特質，過程令人享受和回味。 有句說話『食過返尋味』，就是我們去完想再去，甚至推介給其他人。 」

他構思的『漁家嚮導』項目，以「令人回味」作為目標：「漁家嚮導是一個以休閒漁業為核心的社區平台。我們的目標，是希望與 南區的地區持份者，合作設計多元品牌體驗活動給大家參與，亦可令公眾跟漁民有親身接觸。」

「或許有人會問：跟漁民接觸有何重要？漁民文化是我們香港獨有的文化，我覺得我們有責任去傳承， 否則社會就倒退。」

「香港仔的內涵其實比我們想像的多，那就是社區中人們累積的智慧和經歷。漁家嚮導的品牌體驗活動，大部分都有漁民的參與， 包括設計、帶領，目標是希望活動參加者可親身探索和認識漁民文化，尤其香港和香港仔的名字、故事， 與漁港和漁民有著莫大關連。 我們希望做到文化傳承，回味文化。」釐清目標，他便入紙向漁業持續發展基金申辦項目，以「文化傳承」和「休閒漁業」作為推廣重點， 最後成功獲批。

Luke 是《南華早報》與信和集團合辦的「香港精神獎」 2022 年文化貢獻獎得主，他成立「街坊帶路」為市民帶導賞團，就是想將 每一區的獨特故事，口耳相傳、一一保留。他亦訓練不同街坊做導賞員，啟發不同人欣賞自己的社區，轉述自己故事。他希望每一個 人都追朔歷史，反思生活，因為每一個故事背後都是築起地區文化的重要片段。

「香港是一個高度發展的城市，其實應該要有相應的文化文明，才能顯出它是一個成熟和獨特的地方； 而那個文化文明的構成，就是地區本身有著些什麼。」

Luke 深信，旅遊的消閒本質，也可以同時有著信念、責任、價值、意義，當中也有著無窮樂趣。「漁家嚮導的體驗活動，會由一班 具漁民背景者擔任導賞員帶領，他們的親身經歷和人生故事，我聽過，真的很感動、很回味。」

隨著政府啟動「躍動港島南」計劃，研究活化香港仔魚類批發市場，促進本地漁產品在批發和零售層面的銷售，並加入餐飲元素。 另外，又會制訂改善香港仔避風塘兩岸海濱的建議等。南區未來將有一番新氣象，有潛力成為本地特色旅遊的焦點。 Luke 有個心願：「希望大家日後登入旅遊網站，不只是訂機票、酒店，還可以揀來到香港仔，聽漁民講古仔。」

漁家嚮導邀請你，和漁民一起在南區出發，探索並傳承珍貴的漁港文化。

漁家嚮導 體驗活動

漁家嚮導舉辦一系列「玩、食、學、遊」

品牌活動，讓公眾參加，包括 親子、體驗、 消閒、知識、味道、 歷史、節慶 等範疇。 漁家嚮導會分享他們的經歷和大海故事、 海上生活智慧和風俗文化， 讓參加者有不一樣的南區體驗。

想聽漁家成員親身講古仔，又想走入 香港歷史最悠久的魚市場、出海睇 捕魚示範、了解社區變遷，機會來了。

一條「清蒸石斑」，究竟是如何「游」到餐桌上？由海產來源 到運送過程，以至如何挑選食材，甚至烹調方法，漁家嚮導將 帶領參加者深入香港仔魚類批發市場，為你介紹魚市場的日常 運作，讓你了解香港漁業發展及文化。更會同遊鴨脷洲街市， 即席講解分辨海鮮類別、挑選優質海產及保存方法等，認識 「從大海到餐桌」的飲食概念。

活動內容

了解香港漁業發展、魚類統營處歷史及香港仔魚市場日常

運作，包括冰鮮海魚及活海鮮批發、潔淨海水供應系統、

發泡膠冷壓機、漁產品加工中心等

導覽鴨脷洲街市

即場選購時令海產，不時不食

學習元素

了解漁業的重要性

學習可持續漁業發展，選擇環保海鮮

認識漁民飲食文化

重視餐桌體驗，認識「從大海到餐桌」概念

嶄新海上活動，以傳統捕魚作業為主軸，邀請漁民作「老本行」 起網表演，參加者可以在安全距離下，第一身觀賞起網時漁穫 上水一刻，亦可近距離與漁民交流，藉著互動更深入了解漁業 發展現況、傳統智慧及出海經驗，是適合一家大細參與的親子 暢遊活動。

活動內容

乘坐富有漁家特色的觀光船出發近岸水域，近距離觀賞漁民

起網捕魚

由漁民親身講解傳統捕魚作業方式、介紹水產知識與不同

捕魚工具應用、分享漁民生活點滴小智慧

利用視頻直播展現起網及漁穫實況，不同水域捕獲不同種類

海產

購買即席捕獲海鮮及可自費於島上餐廳烹調享用

學習元素

認識及了解漁業文化 – 傳統捕魚作業系統及水產知識

提升對海產生物多樣保育的意識

學習尊重人類及大自然永續發展的重要性

認識生活小智慧 (例如：廢物利用，製作捕魚工具）

認識海洋資源與海岸生態保育課題

這趟旅程將由漁家嚮導帶你漫遊香港仔避風塘的古往今來， 重現香港仔重要的歷史時刻，與你細說漁民在南區起錨小故事 及社區演變進程，讓你親身體驗漁人乘風破浪的生活，走進 他們的生命之旅。

活動內容

漫遊香港仔避風塘及鴨脷洲

由漁家嚮導親述漁家故事 走訪昔日與漁民相關的生活足跡 乘搭富有漁家風味的「舢舨船」

行程注入多個拍照打卡點

學習元素

認識香港漁業及昔日的「香港八大漁港」之首 透過最地道的生活體驗，加深對本地文化和傳統習俗的了解 培養尊重不同文化的價值觀

幫助建立多元社區概念

活動 1 香港有魚市場‧近海得食

活動 2 導覽傳統捕魚示範 活動 3 香港仔‧海陸導賞團 （生命之旅）

漁家 嚮導 項目最大特色，顧名思義，是由一班有漁民或水上人背景或相關

連繫的漁家成員，擔任活動帶領員。他們會訴說自身故事及個人經歷，令參加者 可近距離接觸並了解大海生活和漁民文化。

近 20 位漁家嚮導在今年初開始接受培訓，分享了他們和香港仔的故事。 他們與大海和南區結緣，如此難忘。

漁 家 成 員 有 話兒

「曾經錯過・學懂珍惜！」

Echo 的外公外婆是水上人，每年端午節都會跟外婆到油麻地避風塘看龍舟賽拜海公，長大後她亦是 一名龍舟運動員，每星期都會在香港仔避風塘和隊友進行訓練。她對香港仔的第一印象非常有趣： 「我小時候唔知呢度叫香港仔，淨係知道每一次坐巴士去海洋公園，都會經過呢個海旁；我每一次見到 海上『珍寶』的兩個字，就好開心因為知道好快就到海洋公園喇！」出來工作後，Echo第一次亦是 唯一一次在珍寶海鮮舫用餐，「當時對『珍寶』的感覺是，地點遠、地方舊而消費亦唔平，第一次對 珍寶的近距離接觸感覺不太良好。」完全忽略了珍寶的情懷！曾經Echo有外國朋友手持在飛機場得到 的旅遊指南提議 Echo 帶路去珍寶海鮮舫晚餐，當時Echo心想：「如果食海鮮係咪會有更好選擇？ 唔會選擇珍寶！」

2022年珍寶海鮮舫被拖走，Echo與隊友剛巧在場目送珍寶離開香港仔，她當下忍不住有感而發：

「我哋其實係咪見證緊一個時代嘅結束呢？」Echo第一時間想起的是她在外國的朋友，她想，當年 無帶朋友去珍寶，現在他們已再沒有機會到這個曾經是「世界上最大的海上食府」體會一番了。

近年Echo對社區活動多了關注，積極參與南區相關的工作坊，心想：「我已經錯過了『珍寶』，可能 身邊仍有其他被我忽略的事物，但沒有去了解沒有去珍惜，所以希望藉着社區工作能把握機會珍惜可能 即將失去的香港情懷。」

「珍寶海鮮舫返唔到嚟㗎喇！」

任職輪機員的葵興，是一名水上人，在香港仔開始他的工作後，才對這個地方加深了解。 「我聽個船主講，有個神主牌放喺珍寶海鮮舫地牢裏面，紀念1971年大火喪生的三十幾條 人命。」說到珍寶海鮮舫，葵興稱聽過「古靈精怪嘅事」，2022年廚房船下沉一刻，葵興和 友人也拍下片段，放到自己的社交平台上留作紀念。

後來，當他得悉珍寶海鮮舫被拖到東南亞，「都知佢返唔到嚟㗎喇，知道個程序，無理由咁樣 拖去太遠嘅地方，捱唔到個風浪，無可能嘅事。」珍寶海鮮舫下沉的結局，令葵興非常感觸， 「咁有歷史價值，點解會保留唔到？其實香港人一人一百蚊，都搞掂咗佢啦！」他希望這件事 能令更多人去反思「珍惜」。

80後的阿慧，家族上兩代也是漁民，她小時候居於住家艇。傳統漁民重男輕女，阿慧說： 「非常幸運，我父母冇重男輕女，而且十分公平疼愛我和哥哥，但不少傳統漁民家族是有此 問題的。」

阿慧與哥哥的感情一直很好，她記得，學識游水竟然是畀哥哥掉落海！她指：「以前有句笑話： 『生女拋落海』，當年我仍未識游水，與阿哥在船邊玩，突然他說：『生女拋落海』，就推了 我落海，其實他的用意是想我學識游水。」

「我覺得很得意的是，我哋水上人有很多這類故事、笑話，其實是因為當中很多的傳統習俗。」 阿慧現在已為人母，最近大仔在學游水，阿慧亦會與他分享這件趣事，即使大仔不太明白為何 媽咪要被舅父仔掉落海，但阿慧也堅持向下一代分享作為漁民的兒時故事。「因為佢唔會知， 佢唔會經歷到，而家漁民真係愈來愈少、愈來愈式微。」阿慧的家人現在於香港仔魚市場做 運魚工作，她個人亦關注漁家事迹，很樂意繼續與他人分享她對漁事的所知所想。

年過半百的阿石，父親是漁民，他小時候和家人就是住在香港仔的住家艇。「我細個返學嗰時，阿媽就 要搖隻船埋街，送我返學；以前只係返半晝，我12點就企喺埗頭度，等阿媽接我返去住家艇。」舊日 漁民生活非常簡樸，「嗰時冇電視睇，對住個海，一係就落海游吓水，唔係就釣吓魚，生活好沉悶。」 往日漁業非常發達，阿石的姨丈在鴨脷洲開設木廠 ，供應木材製造漁船，當時生意十分興旺；後來 漁業式微，廠房便改作出售建築地盤用的夾板。

阿石笑說「我姨丈就係有錢嗰啲，但我爸爸只係打工㗎咋。」原來阿石的父親需要離開家人到漁船打工， 每次出海，一去便是整個月。到了70年代末，漁穫大量減少，阿石的父親決定「上岸」轉行去 工廠工作，「我老竇成日勸我，千祈唔好做漁民呢行！」阿石最終選擇在郵局發展事業， 「點知而家郵局都係夕陽行業，都係咁黑仔！」阿石苦笑道。

誠邀你的故事

每個「你」與香港仔 的相知相遇，為昔日 香港的漁港歷史重添色彩。

誠邀你分享屬於你的「漁家」

故事到：

填表thefisher@kaifongtour.com

「我細個畀阿哥掉落海！」

「我細個喺住家艇嘅生活係咁嘅……」

大使走入 南 區 推 廣漁民文化

甚麼是 休閒漁業？

「休閒漁業」是一種全新漁業型態，有效運用各種漁業資源，包括：漁村、漁業生產資源、漁法漁具、 水產品及相關製品、漁業自然生物及人文資源等，通過重組及配置，將漁業融入休閒娛樂、觀賞旅遊、 生態建設、文化傳承、科普以及餐飲美食之中，為人們提供全方位產品和服務，集漁業與休閒於一體。

（資料來源：廣東省休閒漁業管理辦法）

休閒漁業的基本特點

1 利用各種形式的漁業資源開展生產和服務活動

2 提供滿足人們休閒需求的產品和服務

3 蘊含「漁」的元素：包括漁村、漁業、漁文化、漁法漁具、 漁業產品等

香港現有的休閒漁業活動

~~ 漁民文化生態導賞團（漁民文化分享、漁業體驗、魚排參觀、 捕魚作業示範、參觀魚市場等）

~~ 漁民駕船出海帶遊客進行水上活動，包括船釣、釣魷魚、 遊船河等

~~ 魚排經營休閒垂釣，遊覽漁村以了解及感受漁民文化 ~~ 遊覽漁業展館/ 文化館 ~~ 參觀養殖場

中國內地休閒漁業

休閒垂釣（船釣及塘釣）

~~ 漁家美食

~~ 漁事體驗

~~ 漁家文化（參觀漁村漁港、漁業博物館、漁業民族節慶活動）

~~ 涉漁科普

~~ 海洋牧場上的休閒漁業活動

~~ 觀賞魚養殖和欣賞

香港發展休閒漁業的優勢

深厚漁民歷史及文化

~~ 擁有不同風格的漁港漁村（如香港仔、長洲、 西貢、大澳等）

~~ 有彎曲綿長的海岸線，以及兩百多個島嶼

~~ 境內不同水域的地理及水文各有特色，擁有不同生境及孕育

各樣海洋及漁業資源

~~ 海岸公園和地質公園存護自然資源的同時，亦增加海上遊覽等

康樂機遇

（資料來源：漁農自然護理署）

（下稱「大使」）是漁家嚮導2023年首季舉辦的活動，招募街坊一同推廣南區的漁民 文化。活動反應非常熱烈，除了南區街坊，也有來自其他社區的參加者，他們希望了解南區漁民文化的特色。近廿名大使在四節培訓中， 學習考察和訪談技巧，也有機會走進社區探索漁民相關故事。

「漁港齊講」南區社區推廣大使

在首節培訓，一班大使期待學習如何推廣社區中的漁民文化。那份傳承的使命感，成為了他們記錄的動力。在思考為何漁民文化值得 記錄和保留時，大家不約而同說：「漁民文化，就是香港仔的代表！」他們說，如沒有人繼續訴說漁民故事，恐怕當中的珍貴片段很快 便流失。

要記錄漁民相關故事，親身走進社區是最直接的方法。是次培訓大使們以不同主題組成社區考察小組，訪問南區街坊和店舖，希望對 漁民文化有進一步認識。考察主題包括：香港仔避風塘今昔、廟宇、漁民飲食文化。過程中，大使們主動與香港仔、鴨脷洲魚檔檔主、 海味店店員、廟宇工作人員傾談，了解他們在漁民社區的參與和所見所聞。

大使們表示，整個培訓體驗獲益良多。以下是他們參加活動後的感想：

~「我很高興透過這次培訓認識對漁民文 化有興趣的街坊，可以一同推廣香港仔 漁民文化。」

~「我住在鴨脷洲很多年，考察時大部份 地方都認識，但跟店主交流都是第一次， 很開心有社區考察的環節，讓我重新發現

這個社區獨特的漁民文化。」

~「我從前很膽小，不會主動與店舖的人 傾談，但我很感恩有考察小組組員陪伴 我，一起到社區考察，感覺自己比以前更 敢於與社區內的人交流。」

「漁港齊講」南區社區推廣大使。 鼓勵街坊透過考察來記錄社區故事，是舉辦社區培訓活動樂見的成果。街坊是社區的靈魂，他們熟悉區內環境、歷史和變遷。街坊的人 脈和對社區的感情，能號召並感染其他人關注漁民文化等議題。願一眾社區推廣大使經過培訓後，能夠保持好奇心和熱心，未來發掘更 多故事，讓更多人認識漁民文化。

南區社區推廣大使日後也會參與漁家嚮導活動，跟大家見面。

如你有興趣加入大使團隊，與我們一起推廣漁民文化和南區生活點滴， 歡迎電郵至：thefisher@kaifongtour.com 跟漁家嚮導聯絡。

BRINGINGMEMORABLEFISHERFOLK'S STORIES FOR YOU

PROJECT DIRECTOROFTHEFISHER LUKETAM

“When can we finally travel again?”

We all craved the taste of traveling in the not-long-ago pandemic. Luke Tam, Project Director of The Fisher and Co-founder & Executive Director of Kaifong Tour, found that long-distance running is an excellent way out of the frustration as a form of training the body and mind during the unsure, challenging period. He ran from his home in Cheung Sha Wan to Aberdeen in the Southern District with a single question in his head: "What is the true meaning of traveling? This simple yet essential question marks the start of The Fisher project."

That was the day Luke faced the urge to leave the familiar neighborhood and relax in a far and unexplored zone, just like going on a trip. “When I got to Aberdeen, my mood changed instantly—I felt carefree and joyous. The harbor view there was so relaxing. This place magically took the weight on my heart away, and I wanted to discover more about this neighborhood.” The genuine curiosity sparked again inside Luke as if he were visiting a new country.

It did not take a long time for Luke to come to a conclusion that Aberdeen is such a fascinating place to visit. “Besides the pleasant environment, the people there are also quite interesting. noticed fisherfolk at sea, and I wondered how they catch fish. What kinds of fish are inside the large blue buckets that they push around onshore? Where do they sell them? How does Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, the place always ran past, operate? Is it where the seafood we have every day comes from?”

Everything about Aberdeen occupied Luke’s thoughts. Meanwhile, an opportunity came timely. The Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department was open for applications, targeting projects for the development of recreational fisheries in the Southern District. This was the “aha” moment that Luke had been waiting for.

“Because of the pandemic, the travel pattern of Hongkongers changed. We enjoy local exploration more and have discovered many characteristic spots since. Aberdeen is a neighborhood rich in fisherfolk culture and has established the foundation of recreational fisheries. So how can contribute to this industry, to improve the quality and promotion of the existing recreational fishery experience activities, to the point that they become popular options for travelers?”

Inheritance of Fisherfolk Culture

There are many activities for tourists in the Southern District (including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, Wong Chuk Hang, and Lamma Island), such as theme parks and hiking trails, but just a few are water-based adventures focusing on the fisherfolk culture. Luke realized that being in front of him could be a significant turning point. “A unique and in-depth experience is what makes a trip fulfilling and memorable. The feelings linger. People would want to repeat the experience and recommend it to others.”

The Fisher, a project launched by Luke, aims to bring memorable traveling experiences for all participants: “The Fisher is a community platform centering on recreational fisheries. Our goal is to provide diverse experience programs that collaborate with the stakeholders in the Southern District for the public to interact personally with the fisherfolk community.”

“People may question the importance of connecting with local fisherfolk. As a matter of fact, fisherfolk culture is an exceptional element of Hong Kong culture, and I believe we are responsible for passing it on, or else society will slide backward without the support of the richness of our history.”

“Aberdeen is more than what we have commonly known of. It is a neighborhood full of traditional wisdom and stories. The origin of the Chinese names of “Hong Kong( 香港 )” and “Aberdeen( 香港仔 )” are actually historically related to the local fisherfolk community and fishing ports. We emphasize the involvement of the fisherfolk community in most of our fishery experience programs, including content design and tour guide, because we want to give the most authentic experience for participants. Through The Fisher’s programs, local fisherfolk culture can be then passed on.” With a clear vision of cultural inheritance and developing recreational fisheries, Luke filed an application to the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, and the project has been approved.

Luke is the winner of The Spirit of Culture Award of The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2022, an annual event co-organized by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group. As the co-founder of Kaifong Tour, a social enterprise that promotes community-based tourism, he sees a guided tour as an effective and meaningful way to pass on and preserve the distinctive features of each district through storytelling. Kaifong Tour also holds workshops to train kaifongs (individuals living in the neighborhood) as tour guides, with the belief that everyone can be inspired to appreciate their own neighborhood and share their life stories. Luke hopes every citizen can be conscious of history's role in shaping the city, reflect on the present, and recognize the powerful impact of each of their own story on building the local culture.

“A well-developed city like Hong Kong should display its maturity and uniqueness through culture and civilization, which are illustrated in the varied characteristics of each district.”

To Luke, tourism is not only for leisure purposes but also an introduction to convictions, obligations, values and extensive understanding. “The Fisher’s fishery experience programs are led by tour guides from the fisherfolk community. have listened to their personal stories and life journeys. They are really touching and thought-provoking.”

The Invigorating Island South initiative implemented by the Government will promote the sale of local fisheries produce at both wholesale and retail levels through the revitalization of the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, as well as adding food and beverage elements; and enhance the facilities of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to create a vibrant waterfront. The Southern District is about to have a makeover, becoming one of the biggest attractions with local characteristics. “I wish someday soon we could all go to any travel website to click on booking a trip to Aberdeen, to connect with our fisherfolk through stories.”

The Fisher invites you to set off on an adventure in the Southern District with the local fisherfolk, exploring and passing on the precious fisherfolk culture in Hong Kong.

Luke (photo on the left: center; photo on the right: second from right) interacted with the members of the fisherfolk community during the training sessions organized by The Fisher.

Fishery Experience Programs by The Fisher

The Fisher provides a series of fishery experience programs for the public to learn about the unique fisherfolk culture while having a fun travel experience. The programs contain various elements: family-friendly, interactive, leisure, educational, appetizing, historical and more. Participants can enjoy the Southern District through fisherfolk’s experiences at sea, life hacks and customs shared by the fisherfolk community.

Now is your chance to listen to the amusing fisherfolk’s life stories, visit the longest-established fish market in Hong Kong, watch the demonstration of fishing operations on a boat trip and learn about the changes in the neighborhood!

Sign up now on The Fisher website for the following programs!

Program 1

From Sea to Table and Everything

In Between: Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market Tour

Program 2

Traditional Fishing Operations: Demonstration and Tour

Program 3

Aberdeen Land-Sea Guided Tour: A Life Journey

www.thefisherhk.com

For enquiries: (852) 2639 9868 / 9684 2237 or program.thefisher@kaifongtour.com

How does a steamed grouper, the famously delicious Cantonese dish,"swim" to your dining table from the sea? The Fisher team members are going to show you all about the in-betweens: from the source to the delivery process, as well as pro tips for selecting the freshest seafood and the cooking methods! They will also introduce you to the daily operations of the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market and the development of fisheries and its culture in Hong Kong. Touring around the vibrant Ap Lei Chau market, you will also discover the industry magic behind the scenes, such as fish preservation, and the sustainable concept of sea-to-table.

What You Will Experience

Understanding the development of fisheries in Hong Kong, history of the Fish Marketing Organisation and daily operations of the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market, including wholesale of fresh marine fish and live marine products, supply of clean seawater, usage of EPS foam cold press machine, the Fish Processing Centre and more

Ap Lei Chau market guided tour

Purchasing seasonal seafood on the spot

What You Will Learn

The importance of the fishing industry

The development of sustainable fisheries and the selection of sustainable seafood

Fisherfolk food culture

Dining experience appreciation and the concept of “sea-to-table”

Centering traditional fishing operations, this brand-new leisure water activity will bring you the performance of gillnetting by professional fisherfolk up close! You can also extensively learn about the recent development of fisheries, traditional wisdom and real-life experiences at sea by interacting with fisherfolk. This program is an enjoyable outdoor adventure for families of all ages.

What You Will Experience

Wonderment by the demonstration of gillnetting by fisherfolk at close range while riding on a fisherfolk-style sightseeing boat in the coastal waters

Explanation of traditional methods of fishing operations, introduction of aquatic knowledge and the application of different fishing tools, and sharing of fishing life hacks by fisherfolk

Live stream of gillnetting and catches of various seafood in different waters

Purchase of fish catch on the spot and self-pay cooking service from the restaurants on the island

What You Will Learn

Fishery culture - traditional fishing operation system and aquatic knowledge

Awareness of marine biodiversity conservation

Respect to the importance of the sustainability of human and nature

Fishing life hacks (e.g. waste repurposing and fishing tool making)

The topics of marine resources and coastal conservation

Guided by The Fisher team members, you will experience their simple lifestyle firsthand by exploring the long-established Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, discovering the significant historical moments in Aberdeen, listening to the stories of the roots of fishing communities in the Southern District and learning about the evolution of the neighborhood over time.

What You Will Experience

Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and Ap Lei Chau

Stories in fisheries told by local fisherfolk

Visit to environment of the fishing communities to learn more about their customs and culture

Comfortable sampan rides in the refreshing and pleasant sea breeze

Multiple locations for social media photo shots

What You Will Learn

Fisheries in Hong Kong and the head of The Eight Biggest Fishing Villages in the olden days

Understanding local culture and traditional customs through the most authentic experience

Respecting the values of different cultures

Building the concept of a diverse community

“The Fisher” , as implied in the name, is a project that provides a platform for the fisherfolk community to lead fishery experience programs. Through sharing their life stories, these fisherfolk can unveil the mystery of the far less widely known fisherfolk culture to the participants.

Nearly 20 members of the fisherfolk community have started training in the beginning of this year. The memories they have of Aberdeen are special and personal, yet so relatable to every Hongkonger.

INTRODUCING THE MEM BERS OF THE FISHERFOLKCOMMUNITY

Echo’s grandparents are from the “water communities” (people who live on the water). When Echo was little, she used to go to Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter to enjoy dragon boat racing and worship the ocean during Dragon Boat Festival every year with her grandmother. Now that she has become a dragon boat athlete, she does weekly training with her crew in Aberdeen. “I didn’t know it’s called Aberdeen at the time I was a kid. I got excited on the bus every time saw the familiar waterfront and the big sign of ‘Jumbo’ because I knew that we were about to arrive at Ocean Park!”

Despite this interesting first impression of Aberdeen, Echo had a different view of the famed Jumbo Floating Restaurant (Jumbo) growing into a young adult. “The experience of my first and only time at Jumbo was not so great — thought the restaurant was remote and old; the meal was a little over-priced. totally missed its sentimental value.” Later, Echo’s foreign friends asked her to bring them for dinner at Jumbo while visiting Hong Kong because of the introduction in a travel brochure they got at the Hong Kong airport. “I thought, ‘Aren’t there better places for seafood? I don’t think Jumbo is the right choice.’”

When Jumbo was towed away in 2022, Echo and her teammates happened to be there. She got caught up in the moment. “Are we witnessing the end of an era?” Echo whispered to herself, watching the fall of the largest floating restaurant in the world. She immediately thought of her foreign friends and regretted never bringing them to the iconic tourist destination. “I already missed the chance to appreciate Jumbo. I want to seize every opportunity to learn about and appreciate what we have in the neighborhood.” Recently, Echo has become more enthusiastic about community activities in the Southern District and has started to cherish the disappearing old Hong Kong culture.

“My brother pushed me into the sea because…”

Born in the 80s, Wai is from a family of fisherfolk and spent her childhood on a houseboat. Traditionally, patriarchal culture is deep-rooted in the fisherfolk community. “Luckily, my parents love my brother and me equally, unlike most fisherfolk families.” Though Wai and her big brother have a great bond, she was pushed by him into the sea when she was a child! “There is an old saying: ‘Throw the daughter into the sea.’ I didn’t know how to swim then. One day, my brother said, ‘Throw the daughter into the sea.’ And pushed me out of the boat while we were playing! He was actually trying to get me to learn swimming.”, said Wai. “There are many interesting stories like this in our ‘water communities’ because of our culture and customs.”

Wai is now a mother. While her first-born son has been learning how to swim lately, Wai shared with him this funny story of how she learned to swim as a form of passing on the fisherfolk culture. “Although it’s hard for my son to understand because he is still too young, sharing my childhood stories with him is important. He will never experience the fisherfolk's lifestyle because of the community's downfall.” Wai’s family works at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market for fish transportation. She still pays close attention to the news about the fisherfolk community and is happy to share her fisherfolk knowledge with others.

“This was how we lived as a fisherfolk family decades ago.”

Shek, a middle-aged gentleman, lived with his fisherfolk family on a houseboat in Aberdeen as a child. “My mother rowed the boat ashore to send me to school. In the old days, classes finished at noon. I stood on the pier to wait for my mother to get me back on our houseboat after school.” Back then, the life of a fisherfolk was very simple. “There was no TV. We were surrounded by the sea and the sea only. We went swimming or fishing to kill time. It was quite boring.”

When fisheries were still very flourishing, Shek’s uncle owned a wood factory in Ap Lei Chau to provide wood for fishing boat manufacturing. “My uncle’s business was successful and profitable, but my father was only a fisherfolk back then.” As a fisherman who worked for other fishing business owners, Shek’s father had to leave his family for a whole month every time he went fishing. In the late 70s, catches significantly decreased. Shek’s father decided to move his family onshore to be a factory worker. “My father always warned me not to be a fisherman!” Therefore, Shek chose a career in the post office. “Who knew the mail industry would be a sunset industry years later? I guess it’s just my luck.”, said Shek with a sarcastic smile.

Kwai Hing, a marine engineer from the “water communities”, started learning more about Aberdeen because of his job there. “A vessel owner once told me there was a spirit tablet in the hold of Jumbo, in memory of more than thirty souls lost in the fire in 1971. There are many other rumors and mysteries about this boat.”, said Kwai Hing. When Jumbo’s kitchen section unexpectedly sank in 2022, Kwai Hing and his friends captured the moment on film and uploaded the videos on social media as records of the historical moment.

Regarding Jumbo being towed to Southeast Asia, “Jumbo is destined to sink. I knew it. It’s impossible to execute the towage project, knowing the complication and processes in between.” Kwai Hing feels strongly about the depressing ending of Jumbo. “If only each Hongkonger donated $100, the historic boat could definitely be preserved!” He hopes that this incident can remind people to appreciate what we already have in the city.

You can now be a part of the fisherfolk community by sharing your own story of Aberdeen!

Please share your stories with us: Fill in the form -

“You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.”

“Jumbo is destined to sink. I knew it.”

THESOURTHERNLEGEND ON THE BOAT - COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR PROGRAME

WHAT ARE

RECREATIONAL FISHERIES?

Recreational fisheries are new types of fisheries that combine with recreation to provide a full range of products and services through effective reorganization and reallocation of fishery resources, including fishing villages, fishery production resources, fishing methods and gear, fishery products and related goods, fishery ecology, humanities resources, and more, to integrate the fishing industry with leisure, tourism, ecological construction, cultural heritage, popular science and the food industry.

(Source: Management Measures of Guangdong Province on Recreational Fisheries)

Characteristics of Recreational Fisheries

1 Utilization of fishery resources for product and service development

2 Supply of products and services for leisure purposes

3 Emphasis on the fishing element, for example, fishing villages, fishing industry, fishing culture, fishing methods and gears, fishery products, etc.

Main Types of Recreational Fishing Activities in Hong Kong

~~ Fishery experience programs (Fisherfolk cultural sharing, fisherfolk cultural and ecological guided tours, fish raft visits, demonstration of fishing operations, fish market visits, etc.)

~~ Boat trips by fisherfolk to go boat fishing, squid fishing, boat tours, etc.

~~ Recreational fishing experience on fish rafts; fishing village visits to understand and experience fisherfolk culture

~~ Fisheries Hall and Fishermen Museum visits

~~ Fish farm visits

Main Categories of Recreational Fisheries in Mainland China

~~ Recreational fishing (boat fishing and pond fishing)

~~ Fisherfolk cuisine

~~ Fishery experience programs

~~ Fisherfolk culture (fishing village and fishing port visit, fisheries museum visit, fisherfolk festivals)

~~ Popular science of fishing

~~ Recreational fisheries activities on sea ranches

~~ Ornamental fish keeping and watching

Advantages of Developing

Recreational Fisheries in Hong Kong

Profound fisherfolk history and culture

~~ Multifarious styles of fishing ports and fishing villages (such as Aberdeen, Cheung Chau, Sai Kung, Tai O, etc.)

~~ A phenomenal amount of coastline and more than 200 islands

~~ Distinctive features of the geography and hydrology of different waters in the territory, with different marine habitats that contain rich fishery resources

~~ Huge potential for new recreational development, such as boat tours, due to the existing marine parks and geopark

(Source: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department)

With the aim of promoting the fisherfolk culture in the Southern District by transforming enthusiastic kaifongs into community ambassadors, The Southern Legend on the Boat - Community Ambassador Program (SLB) was successfully held in the spring of 2023. It received an overwhelming response, attracting participants not only from the local area but also from other districts. Nearly 20 ambassadors learned field research and interview skills in the four-session training and explored the unique fisherfolk culture firsthand with the local fishing community.

In the first training session, our soon-to-be ambassadors already showed their sense of mission towards cultural inheritance. During a discussion of reasons to document and preserve fisherfolk culture, “Fisherfolk culture is the representation of Aberdeen!”, the group collectively agreed. The precious fragments of history would be disappeared if no one passes on the fisherfolk stories. This concern became their strong driving force to work on records of fisherfolk stories.

In order to document fisherfolk-related stories effectively, interacting with the fishing community and experiencing the neighborhood personally are the most direct ways. Our ambassador apprentices were divided into teams with different research topics: Aberdeen Typhoon Shelters, Then and Now; Fisherfolk-Related Temples; and Fisherfolk’s Food Culture. They interviewed kaifongs across various industries, including fishmongers of fish stalls in Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau, salesmen of dried seafood shops, and staff of temples in the Southern District, for the purpose of understanding their involvement and what they have seen and heard in the fisherfolk community.

Our ambassadors enjoyed the training and benefited a lot from the experience. These are their sharing after finishing the program:

~ “I’m so glad that got to meet other kaifongs who are interested in fisherfolk culture and promote Aberdeen’s fisherfolk culture together.”

~ “I’ve been living in Ap Lei Chau for many years, so I know most places we did field studies. But never talked to the business owners there to understand their situations and needs before. I’m happy I had the opportunity to do this and re-discover the unique fisherfolk culture in the community during the field studies.”

~ “I was timid and would never take the initiative to chat with shop owners and staff. I’m grateful we could partner up in the team to do field research together. feel like now have more courage to talk to people in the neighborhood.”

Kaifongs being encouraged to document community stories through methods of field research is a happy outcome of the community training program. The soul of a neighborhood lies in the members within. With the influence of their social networks and love towards the community, kaifongs, who are familiar with the environment, history and changes in the area, own the power to inspire others and raise public awareness on topics such as fisherfolk culture.

After training, our SLB Community Ambassadors are ready to promote fisherfolk culture by discovering more interesting stories through curiosity and enthusiasm. They may meet up with you in other activities by The Fisher in the near future! If you are interested in being a part of our ambassador team and promoting the fisherfolk culture in the Southern District together, please email thefisher@kaifongtour.com to talk with us.

The Southern Legend on the Boat (SLB) Community Ambassadors.

徵集漁家故事 Needed Now – Fisherfolk Stories

如果你保存了南區、水上人、漁民的舊照片、物件、故事， 希望你可跟我們分享，令珍貴的社區文化得以保留及傳承。

我們會將收集到的珍品，記錄並與公眾分享。

To preserve and inherit the precious community culture, you are invited to share photos, objects and stories about the Southern District, “water communities” and fisherfolk with us. We will record, organize and share the valuable collected materials with the public.