New Straits Times 25 Sep 11;
ROMPIN: Some fishermen here have been setting fish traps in the Pulau Tioman Marine Park.
Pulau Tioman Marine Park director Mohamed Ridzuan Mohamed Ali said these contraptions, made from steel wire and rattan, were set in water about 30m deep.
Ridzuan said the park's enforcement unit found 18 of these traps near Pulau Tulai near the park on Friday.
"Fishermen would often encroach into the water in the area, knowing it is rich in marine life and home to various species of fish.
"No one is allowed into the water within two nautical miles from the marine park and all fishing should be done outside the area," Ridzuan said yesterday.
He said the traps would not only cause harm to the marine life but also destroy the physical structure of the coral reefs and pose a threat to divers.
Ridzuan said 173 people were arrested between 2003 and August for setting fish traps and also using fishing nets in the park area.
Read more: Fish traps found in sea park http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/26pot1/Article#ixzz1Z0l4tTbW
