CM: Various measures taken to develop fishing industry
MIRI: The state and federal governments have come up with numerous initiatives to boost the development of the fishery and sport fishing industry.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said, in fact, the federal Fisheries Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation have joined hands and built artificial reefs in over 100 locations along the coastal areas.
“This is for the purpose of conservation and recreational sport fishing that will conserve fish breeding grounds and manage the numbers of marine life thus spurring more incomes not only for fishermen but also the tourism industry that draws more foreign anglers to fish here,” Abang Johari said at the prize giving ceremony of the 10th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament and 20th anniversary of Miri Anglers Club ( MAC) at Meritz Hotel here yesterday.
The Chief Minister’s text of speech was read out by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who represented him at the function.
Present were MAC chairman Ting Thung Hing, organising chairman Aaron Abel Donald, MMEA District 13 deputy operation commander Mohd Hambali Yaakup, state Fisheries Department director Belayong Nyuak, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Miri district officer Abdul Aziz Yusof and Miri City Council deputy mayor Julaihi Mohamad.
According to Abang Johari, from 2001 to 2016 the Fisheries Department had installed more than 3,000 artificial reefs in 25 locations. He said this year Petronas and the federal Fisheries Department had signed a ‘Rig to Reef 2017’ MoU, with building artificial reefs along Miri offshore
This is for the purpose of conservation and recreational sport fishing that will conserve fish breeding grounds and manage the numbers of marine life thus spurring more incomes not only for fishermen but also the tourism industry that draws more foreign anglers to fish here.
one of its objectives. He said the project will transform two unused oil rigs – DANA and N30 – into artificial reefs locations. The first of such projects was done in 2004 in which the unused Baram 8 oilrig was turned into an artificial reef named ‘Kenyalang Reef’, he added.
“In addition, the government will continue to give the necessary focus to the sport fishing industry as it has become a strong factor in promoting tourism.
“This is indeed a ‘ sunrise’ industry that is fast developing and more concentrated effort to preserve the breeding ground of species of fish must be taken including using the unused oilrigs to become artificial reefs,” he said further.
According to the Chief Minister, the artificial reefs project will definitely be a precursor to a new era in the sport fishing industry, especially in northern Sarawak.
“This will certainly boost our local tourism sector and our local economy,” he added.
He disclosed that Miri has become a hub for recreational fishing and this has indirectly spurred the growth of local recreational boat industry.
The Chief Minister praised MAC for organising the Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament since 1997, saying sport fishing is regarded as a growing recreational sport in this region.
“Congratulations to MAC for successfully organising the Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament for the tenth time and Happy Anniversary,” he said further.
Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, gave the thumbsup to MAC for organising the annual tournament that started as a local fishing event and after 20 years has become an international event that draws foreign anglers.
He said Miri waters offer various species of fish rarely found in other places in the region.
On another matter, he said he had approached Silk Air for a Singapore- Miri direct f light so that tourists from Singapore can come to Miri in the weekends for sport fishing. At the same time, he called on rental boat owners not to overcharge as it will deter foreign anglers from coming for sport fishing in Miri waters.
Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister