Manado, N Maluku (ANTARA) - Head of North Maluku's Office of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) Tienneke Adam echoed the provincial government optimism that the fishery sector would thrive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This optimism is paired with several innovations or breakthroughs," Adam noted here on Friday.

One of the innovations made during the period from February to July 2021 is the restocking of 255,000 fish seeds in the ocean and public waters, according to Adam.

Moreover, Adam highlighted the rehabilitation of six small, micro, and medium fish farming units in North Minahasa District, Southeast Minahasa District, and Manado.

Adam stated that his group had also conducted free online registration for boats of less than 5GT and facilitated the distribution of small passes for boats.

"The other breakthrough is the opening of direct exports between Manado and Japan since September 23, 2020," he noted.

Related news: Fishery exports could rise during pandemic: Marine Affairs Ministry

To boost productivity, Adam noted that his group had restructured the fishing fleet, bolstered the cold chain system, and developed as well as utilized fishing ports.

Adam noted that the DKP had also developed facilities as well as infrastructure for fishing ports at Tumumpa Beach in Manado, Belang in Southeast Minahasa District, Dudepo in North Bolaang Mongondow District, Ulu Siau in Sitaro Archipelago District, and Tanjung Sidupa in East Bolaang Mongondow District.

The other innovations and breakthroughs highlighted by Adam comprised strengthening group institutions, developing facilities and infrastructure of capture fisheries, conducting cultivation and processing, as well as protecting and empowering fishermen through various policies, such as the fishermen’s insurance.

In related news, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ official Artati Widiarti pointed to fishery exports likely rising amid the pandemic.

To this end, the ministry has targeted to improve marine and fisheries products.

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Translator: Karel Polakitan, Fadhli R
Editor: Suharto
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