Operations Against Illegal Fishing Gave Boost To Fishery Sector: Minister

Negara (Antara Bali) - Operations against illegal fishing in Indonesia have helped boost the country`s fishery sector`s economy, Minister of Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti has said.

"The GDP contribution of the fishery sector right now has reached 8.96 percent, far above the national GDP growth. This was the result of the tough action taken against illegal fishing," she stated at a meeting with fishermen in Jembrana, Bali, on Saturday.

Minister Susi noted that President Joko Widodo has included the catch fishery sector in the negative list, thus stopping foreign investors from entering this sector.

She reiterated that the presidential regulation to that effect was signed on May 18, and it must be implemented to preserve the country`s marine resources.

"For this presidential regulation, I had to clash with several parties who wanted that foreign investors should be allowed to enter the catch fishery sector," she disclosed.

She pointed out that following the presidential regulation and the ongoing action against illegal fishing, she was optimistic that this sector would continue to grow and benefit Indonesia`s fishermen.

She observed that earlier, as a result of illegal fishing, not only was the country`s marine wealth being taken to other countries but foreign ships also used to take the country`s fuel oil, thus resulting in bigger losses.

She informed that the government was intensifying the operations against illegal fishing, and hoped fishermen would preserve and select the fish they would catch so that fish and lobsters can grow in nature.

"Some fishermen may possibly complain about the rule that I have set regarding the size of lobster that may be caught, but I believe if it is heeded, the lobster catch would multiply," she underlined while responding to a complaint from a fisherman regarding the rule.

The minister also appealed to fishermen to let go lobsters that have eggs because one lobster could beget a thousand more.

She recalled that Bali used to ship one ton of lobsters a day and even two to three tons during certain seasons. "But right now, Bali can only ship four quintals a day. They are collected from across Bali. So you can imagine how the habitat of lobster in the sea has degraded, all a result of arbitrary fishing," she added.

The minister advised fishermen to also pay attention to their fishing nets to ensure that small fish are not netted.

At the meeting, Minister Susi distributed 436 fishermen`s cards enabling them to avail of welfare facilities besides giving away 15 units of GPS to fishermen. (WDY)