T.N. ALAGESH New Straits Times 24 Oct 14;
ROMPIN: EVERY year, hundreds of anglers from around the world will flock to Kuala Rompin here to participate in the offshore “catch and release” Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge (RPBIC).
However, the annual event could soon come to an end as sailfish, or scientifically known as “Istiophorus platypterus”, is in danger of extinction due to irresponsible trawler operators.
Known for its sail-like dorsal fin and pointed bill, the species has seen a noticeable decline in the east coast, where it is processed into keropok lekor (soft fish crackers) and fertiliser.
Pahang Tourism Ministry office director Edros Yahya said they had received complaints from anglers and boat operators about commercial fishermen, including foreigners, frequently landing the sailfish.
He said some of the complainants had submitted pictures of sailfish being loaded onto pick-up trucks and of fishermen arranging the dead fish.
“This is worrying as the species could be wiped out from our waters if this continues.
“A drop in sailfish numbers will jeopardise the tourism industry and RPBIC, which is listed as a qualifying round for the International Game Fish Association Offshore World Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.”
Edros said the tourism sector raked in RM10 million annually from sailfish enthusiasts, including those who join the RPBIC .
Although the sailfish is not an endangered species, he hoped that more stringent measures could be taken to protect them.
Rompin member of parliament Tan Sri Jamaludin Jarjis had previously voiced his concern on the matter, while Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was quoted as saying the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency would station its personnel in Kuala Rompin.
Boat operator Denis Lee said the authorities should step up efforts to protect the sailfish as without them, Kuala Rompin would suffer a drop in visitors and professional anglers. He added that the catch was 50 per cent lower compared with the previous year at the recent RPBIC.
Jason Lee, 45, of Mersing said the government should gazette a sailfish sanctuary or declare the fish a protected species.
According to him, boat operators here had already embarked on a nationwide campaign to save the sailfish.
