Brunei Loses Millions To Foreign Fishing Vessels

Bandar Seri Begawan – Brunei is losing millions of dollars and experiencing over-fishing over a decade from foreign fishing vessels breaking into its waters.

Statistics shows that some 443 foreign fishing vessels were found breaking into Brunei waters over a ten-year period, specifically from 1993 to 2003.

From that figure, only 39 vessels were brought to court.

The fishing industry in Brunei was estimated at a cost of around $112 million yearly.

The source and management of fisheries in the country are protected under the Fisheries Act and Borders Act On Fishing.

According to the Eighth National Development Plan, the Fishing Industry shows that the country has 20,000 metric tonnes of fishing resources a year that can be exploited.

From this, 3,800 metric tonnes can be obtained from along the shore and around 16,200 metric tonnes from offshore.

The Government of His Majesty through the Fisheries Department is constantly monitoring the development of the fisheries sources to ensure continued improvement in its capability.

The enforcement of regulations and monitoring of the Brunei waters are aimed to prevent fishing activities, which violate the Fisheries Act and Law.

Intrusion into Brunei waters, if not being monitored and controlled, can affect the sustainability of the country's fisheries resources.

In efforts to prevent intrusion in Brunei waters, the Government of His Majesty has approved the purchase of one more new patrol vessel.

An agreement was signed yesterday afternoon between the Government of His Majesty and a local company for the acquisition of this vessel.

Dayang Hajah Hasnah binti Ibrahim, the acting Director of Fisheries Department, signed on behalf of the Government, while Tidewater Marine Engineering and Services Company was represented by Pengiran Haji Iskandar Rizal bin Pengiran Haji Damit, its Manager.

The new patrol vessel costs nearly B$1.5 million. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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