Fishermen appeal to government not to ban use of trawler nets

KUCHING: Fishermen across the state are appealing to the state government and also to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem against the abolishment of usage of trawler nets.

This call came about following a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and representatives of 20 fishermen associations at the Islamic Information Centre ( IAC) near Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here yesterday.

The meeting was to explain to the representatives the abolishment of trawler net operations in Zone B (commercial) as of January this year, which would be done in stages through control methods.

There were a number of issues raised during the session – one of which was the requirements for fishermen wishing to continue using trawler nets.

It is learned that for them to be able to use such nets, they must upgrade their vessels to those with a capacity of more than 40 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) and shift their fishing to a further zone – namely Zone C, or 12 nautical miles offshore.

However, should they wish to remain in Zone A or B, they must change their equipment – from trawler nets to ‘ pukat jerut’ ( seine nets) or other traditional methods.

For the record, the state Fisheries Department has said that the major reason for the ban of trawler nets in Zone A and B is to ensure the sustainability of marine resources in the coastal waters of both zones, especially A.

“Coastal waters are productive areas for fish-breeding and the usage of trawler nets there is a threat to the ecosystem. Thus, the policy to ban trawlers in Zone A and B id for long-term benefits,” state Fisheries Department deputy director Bohari Leng was quoted as having said in February.

Uggah (standing front, seventh right) with representatives of fishermen associations from across Sarawak in a group photo after the meeting at the IAC in Kuching.