Malaysia: Conserving sea cucumbers

The Star 2 Jun 11;

BELURAN: The Fisheries Department will introduce the tagal (closed season) system to conserve the state’s sea cucumber resources said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.

Under the unique system practised by the indigenous people of Sabah, fishing is allowed only once a year in certain rivers to allow fish to mature.

Yahya believed that the strategy could be extended to sea cucumber habitats to conserve the resources.

“In 2000, Sabah produced 159 tonnes of sea cucumber but last year, it dropped to 132 tonnes. This is due to excessive harvest and damage to its habitat due to pollution and trawler’s activities,” he said the opening of tagal for sea cucumber at Kampung Hujung, Jambongan island.

Sugut assemblyman Datuk Surady Kayong who represented Yahya had read out his speech.

Yahya said the tagal for sea cucumber would comprise two zones for sea cucumber breeding and for harvesting.

“Harvesting will only be allowed at certain period to be determined by the Fisheries Department and the tagal committee,” he said.

He said that if the system is, it would be an example to other fishermen in Pitas, Semporna, Sandakan, Kuala Penyu, Kudat, Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan.

The state targets to implement at least 10 to 20 of such system in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Sabah plans to produce 1,800 tonnes of sea cucumber worth RM45mil a year by 2015. — Bernama.