This year’s moratorium on commercial fishing runs from 1 May to 16 August.

This year’s moratorium on commercial fishing runs from 1 May to 16 August.

Approximately 170 Macao-registered fishing boats have moored at the Inner Harbour for the length of the moratorium.

Since midnight on 29 April 2020, every fishing boat worker has been required on arrival in Macao to undergo a 14-day period of medical observation, as part of measures to control locally the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Such workers can complete the observation period aboard their respective fishing vessels or at designated hotels used for medical observation. There is a designated berthing area for boats that have workers under observation. Six boats are currently anchored there.

The Sai Van, a rescue vessel of the Marine and Water Bureau, is on standby adjacent to the fishing boats containing workers undergoing 14 days of medical observation.

During the three-and-a-half-month moratorium on commercial fishing, the Marine and Water Bureau and the Macao Customs Service have stepped up their patrol effort in Macao’s waters. Boats of the Marine and Water Bureau for towing vessels are kept on standby round the clock at the request of the Government.

The Government provides refuse bags to fishing boat workers and collects the rubbish they generate while on board boats docked for the moratorium period.

The Marine and Water Bureau has stepped up collection of floating debris, as part of its effort to maintain a clean marine environment.

The Marine and Water Bureau has stepped up collection of floating debris, as part of its effort to maintain a clean marine environment.

The fishing ban seeks to promote further the sustainable development of the marine-fishery sector.