POND CULTURE OF SNAKEHEAD IN HONG-KONG - A CASE-STUDY OF AN ECONOMIC SOLUTION TO COMMON RESOURCES

This article records the trade practice and culture cycle of Ophioceph alus maculatus (snakeheads) as adopted by a fish farm at Ngau Tam Mei, the New Territories, Hong Kong. This farm is one of the few remaining local enterprises that have the skills to spawn this labyrinth fish. Documentation is timely not only because there has been great demand f or the transfer of culture technology (spawning) to China, but also be cause the species may become extinct with the demise of the culture bu siness through urbanization. The discussion throws light on the effect iveness and limitations of the institutions of private rights as a mea ns of conserving common resources.