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Diminishing Returns: Reflections of a Hong Kong Fisherman

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Exhibition Summary

Do you know?
The local name of Leopard Coral Grouper and the story behind the name?
Back in the day, Snubnose Pompano was such a rare catch that its price surpassed even lobster!
Before modern technology arrived, local fishers relied on their sense of hearing to find shoals of fish!

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Description

Hongkongers’ connection with the sea and its fish runs far deeper than you might imagine.


Diminishing Returns: Reflections of a Hong Kong Fisherman, published by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, brings together oral histories from fishermen and expert insights from ichthyologists. Through captivating tales, it traces decades of change in Hong Kong fisheries. Every fish tells a story woven between this city and the sea.


The museum is honoured to collaborated with the two renowned authors:


  • Mr Patrick Siu-Wah Chan —   veteran fisherman, seafood importer, and aquaculture specialist: sharing      firsthand experiences and ten iconic local fish stories, revealing how      each species has ebbed and flowed with social change.

  • Dr Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson —  Honorary Professor at the University of Hong Kong and celebrated      ichthyologist who is also passionate about fish: offering scientific      perspective on shifting marine ecology and the conservation meaning behind      Hong Kong’s fishery history.


Download now for free!

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What makes this book special?

Blends history and science, perfect for those who love local culture, ecology, and learning

Richly illustrated, documenting precious species once common in Hong Kong’s waters and revealing the changing coastline

Blends history and science, perfect for those who love local culture, ecology, and learning

Blends history and science, perfect for those who love local culture, ecology, and learning

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Events

Fishes which you can read about in the book 

Rabbitfishes

Rabbitfishes are highly adaptable fish. Over the past four decades, various fish species in Hong Kong's coastal waters have significantly decreased, but rabbitfishes continue to thrive against the odds.

Rabbitfishes

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

Central Pier No. 8, Hong Kong

Monday to Friday: 09:30 - 17:30

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00-19:00

*Closes on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

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©2025 Hong Kong Maritime Museum

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