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.