Call To Prevent Fish Bombing Activities
By Achong Tanjong and Jon Tampoi

Bandar Seri Begawan - A number of strategies in preventing fish bombing activities from developing, spreading or happening in Brunei waters was suggested yesterday by Dato Awg Hj Mohd Hamid Bin Hj Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

He spoke during the opening ceremony of a course on the negative effects of the fish bombing method, organised by the Fisheries Department.

The course aims to increase expertise in identifying fish bombing methods and increase awareness on the dangers of fish bombing activities. It identifies fish species that are most likely to be targeted.

It presents practical activities and develops knowledge on legal laws and regulations connected to fish caught by bombing.

Fishing using bombs is an illegal act under the enactment and Fisheries Law of section 61. Fish bombing is difficult to cure and is the main problem facing the ailing coral reefs. Once a reef is destroyed, it will be a permanent problem to the most diverse ecosystem of the world, also known as `The Rainforest of the oceans and seas,' he said

Sustainable income generated from fisheries revenue is estimated to be B$112 million per year. The fishing area is 200 nautical miles offshore and is about 36,000 sq miles.

Various enforcement agencies especially Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force and Internal Security Department have been supportive in protecting the waters of Brunei Darussalam from illegal fishing methods and activities, he said.

It is estimated that 25% of the corals in the world have been destroyed due to fish bombing and 88% of these are located in Southeast Asia, he said.

This endangers the many varieties of marine life within these waters.

The Ministry of Primary Resources is actively developing the tourism sector as a number of natural coral areas in the Brunei waters have been identified that will be developed into eco-tourism spots.

The marine bio diversity should be protected as a heritage for future generation to benefit. Participants include 16 from the Fisheries Department, two from the Royal Custom and Excess Department, four from the Marine Police Department, two from the Internal Security Department and two from the Royal Navy.

Two foreign tutors are guiding the participants in the five-day course. The first course held in April 1998 also employed foreign lecturers.

Earlier, the Acting Director of the Fisheries Department presented her welcome speech. Several heads of Departments and senior government officers and personnel attended the function. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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