Pond Shrimp Culture Growing In Tutong District
By CT Hj Mahmod

Bandar Seri Begawan - Aqua-culture projects, especially in the shrimp industry have strong potential particularly in the Tutong District that can lead to spin-offs such as employment opportunities for residents and downstream activities.

As part of the efforts to develop the shrimp industry, mapped out by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, a dialogue was held yesterday in the Tutong District between the Department of Fisheries and the Penghulus, Village Heads and Head of Longhouses.

Tutong District has several potential areas for development, particularly in the pond shrimp industry.

It was disclosed at yesterday's session facilitated by Awg Wardi bin Hj Mohd Ali, Acting District Officer, and Dyg Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim, Acting Director of Fisheries, that six companies are operating pond shrimp culture activities at Kg Keramut, Telisai, Tutong with a total area of 92 hectares.

There is another company operating at an 18-hectare site at Telisai-Sg Paku area, Tutong, while other identified sites are now being developed in the district. It was hoped that the latest technology in shrimp culture will be used at the sites.

His Majesty's Government, in supporting such development has provided basic infrastructure such as access roads, sea-water intake system, freshwater and electricity at the sites.

On the spin-offs of the shrimp culture industry development, the officials hoped that it would generate employment opportunities for residents in the areas, as well as in the downstream activities such as seafood processing in the near future.

Fishing activities are equally important in Tutong District with a total of 105 fulltime fishermen and 316 part-time fishermen registered in the year 2004.

His Majesty's Government has provided boat ramps at Kuala Tutong and built artificial reefs in Tutong waters to enhance the fisheries resources in this area.

Yesterday's dialogue session held at the Tutong District Office was aimed at disseminating information pertaining to the development status of the fisheries industry in the Tutong District and supportive projects which are being implemented in the district.

Such development will be more successful if local residents can comprehend and cooperate to ensure the welfare of those involved, it was said yesterday.

Similar discussions are scheduled to be held in other districts in the near future. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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