T.N. Alagesh, New Straits Times 20 Jan 10;
PULAU TIOMAN: Despite being warned by the Pulau Tioman Marine Park authorities to stay away from gazetted areas near the island, fishermen keep returning to the restricted zone attracted by the rich marine life.
State Marine Parks director, Izarenah Md Repin said some fishermen took home as much as RM10,000 worth of catch after spending a short time in the restricted zone.
Investigations revealed the fishermen would use drag nets, trawl nets and gillnet which make it impossible for the fish to escape.
"There are nine small islands under the care of the marine park here and the main fishing areas are at Pulau Jahat and Telok Juara which are famous for kerapu and also cuttlefish.
"The intruding fishing vessels are willing to take the risk of being detained and fined as the fine is insignificant," Izarenah told the New Straits Times on Sunday.
She said for encroaching into the marine park, the boat owners would be charged under the Fisheries Act 1985 and are liable to a fine of up to RM2,500.
"The marine authorities can also seize the fishing boats if the fishermen are caught for encroaching on the park on more than three occasions. However, we have yet to do so."
"Some fishermen would often change their boat licence, making it difficult for us to trace their activities and when they obtain the new licence, all their previous records for encroaching will be erased from the records."
She said the park realised that many boat owners tend to change their licence between two and three years, especially after they were nabbed for illegal fishing in the marine park.
Izarenah said 35 people, including villagers and local fishermen, have been appointed to inform the marine park of any encroachment.
"Last year, we had 29 cases of encroachment by local fishermen, and so far this year there have been two cases."
