New Straits Times 9 Jun 12;
GEORGE TOWN: The Consumer's Association of Penang (CAP) has warned that Malaysian waters would be left with zero marine resources if fishermen continued to use destructive techniques in fishing.
The use of trawl nets, pukat buaya (crocodile net) and pukat Apollo (pair-trawl net) had caused a negative impacts on the seabed and marine environment, thus causing shortage of fish in the country.
CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said many trawlers fished at breeding and nursery grounds, and were using nets that might catch schools of fish fry, which depleted their population.
He said in 2003, Malaysia's annual total fish landing exceeded the maximum sustainable yield, which was 900,000 tonnes, including a high percentage of "trash" fish.
"Marine life habitats such as mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs, which are sanctuaries for reproductions and regeneration of marine life such as fish, prawns and crabs have been destroyed."
Idris said the rampant use of inappropriate fishing technologies and small mesh nets had been going on for too long, causing several fish species to become extinct.
"These fishing gear destroy the small fish and shrimps, and also the seabed," he said, adding that 60 marine species could no longer be found in waters off the northern states.
"After speaking to almost 40 fishermen from Penang, Kedah and Perlis, we were shocked to find that over 60 species of fish have disappeared from our waters," he said.
Some of them were bawal, senangin buih, selangat, kembong and four different types of pari.
Idris warned that Malaysians might not have any fish to eat in another 20 years and suggested that the authorities ban fishing during the spawning period in fish spawning areas, as practised in India and China.
CAP also urged the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to impose stiffer penalties on those who flout the law.
‘Ban seafood export’
Han Kar Kay The Star 9 Jun 12;
THE export of seafood should be banned as it will lead to the depletion of fish stocks in the country, said Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohammed Idris.
He said interviews with some 40 fishermen in the northern region, including those from Penang, Kedah and Perlis, revealed that more than 60 marine species were no longer found in the country’s waters.
Among some of the marine species reportedly depleting are the rayfish, pomfret and shark.
“CAP is concerned that overfishing, trawl fishing and the small mesh size could contribute to the decline of the fish population.
“We need to ensure that fish stocks are sustainable in the long-term for the benefit of locals,” he told a press conference at the CAP office in Jalan Masjid Negeri, Penang, yesterday.
To ensure fish stocks are sustainable, Mohamed Idris called for a ban on trawl fishing and fishing during spawning that varies depending on the fish type.
“Besides, the usage of carpet clam nets (pukat siput retak seribu), boat seine (pukat kisa) and push-nets (pukat rawa sorong) should also be regulated,” he added.
Penang Fisheries Department director Mohd Sidek Md Jahaya, when contacted, said the department viewed the trawling issue seriously.
“We constantly try to overcome the issue from time to time.
“However, it is difficult for us to track down the trawlers who have modified their nets to increase their catch,” he said.
When asked on the suggestion to ban export of seafood, Mohd Sidek explained that only certain grades of fish were exported to other countries.
“This is because of the low demand of these fish among the locals.
“Export of fish also helps to increase the fishermen’s income,” he added.
