The supply of aquatic food products in Hong Kong is largely dependent on capture fisheries. In 2019, production from the aquaculture sector was only 5% in value of the total fisheries production. Production from local inland ponds, covering an area of approximately 1,131 ha, was three times that of mariculture. With an endeavor to provide safe and reliable aquaculture products to local consumers, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government launched an Accredited Farm Scheme in 1994. Moreover, AFCD started to explore organic fish farming and laid down a code of practice for organic aquaculture in collaboration with the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre (HKORC), which commenced its certification service on organic aquaculture in 2010. Besides HKORC, the Hong Kong Organic Certification Centre, established by the Hong Kong Organic Agriculture & Ecological Research Association, also provides certification service to local and mainland organic farms.
Currently, eleven accredited organic fish farms are operating in Hong Kong with a total certified culture area of 3.5 ha, the largest being Wah Yuen Farm with 1.8 ha. In addition, two more fish farms were accredited and under conversion. Such a minute portion of pond area engaged in organic production reflects that organic aquaculture is not well received by the local fish farmers. The main challenges facing pond aquaculture practices in Hong Kong are strong competition from imported aquatic products, limited choices and supply of fry, uncompetitive production costs, and continual decrease in fishpond areas due to urban development. Switching to organic production will incur potential problems such as sourcing of organic feed and organic fry, changing operation practices, and unknown market demand due to poor public awareness of organic aquaculture. As most pond aquaculture in Hong Kong is conducted on a family basis, fish farmers are reluctant to switch to organic production methods due to unknown risks and challenges associated with the switch, which might imply increased operation costs and hence reduced profits. Meanwhile the universities in Hong Kong are undertaking research efforts to provide a reliable source of organic feed to local fish farmers at reasonable prices. It is hoped that with the efforts from universities and support from AFCD, organic fish farming in Hong Kong will grow and provide safe and quality products to consumers.