Based on our records, the Simeuleu waters are relatively still prone to fish bombing. With the help of the community involved in this monitoring group, we expect it to bolster the handling efforts.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has urged the public to get involved in monitoring marine and fishery resources, including by helping to prevent fish bombing that is rampant in Simeuleu, Aceh Province.

“Based on our records, the Simeuleu waters are relatively still prone to fish bombing. With the help of the community involved in this monitoring group, we expect it to bolster the handling efforts,” the ministry’s marine and fishery resource monitoring director general, Adin Nurawaluddin, noted in a press release here on Friday.

The monitoring community group (Pokmaswas) plays an important role as part of integrated monitoring developed by the ministry, he highlighted.

Apart from acting as the eyes and ears in monitoring, the group is expected to be able to become the ambassadors that convey messages on the importance of preserving marine and fishery resources, he expounded.

“This is one of the participative approaches that we continue to push as stipulated in the Fishery Law,” Nurawaluddin noted.

Related news: Ministry intensifies campaign against fish bombing

Meanwhile, during the Pokwasmas technical guidance in the past several days, the ministry’s marine resource management monitoring director general Halid K. Jusuf emphasized that it was important for the Pokwasmas members to have a sound understanding about monitoring the protected fish species and waters conservation areas, preventing destructive fishing practices, as well as ensuring the authority limit in monitoring assistance.

In line with Jusuf's guidelines, Simeuleu District Head Erli Hasim expressed his support to the ministry to boost the public's involvement in protecting the Simeuleu Sea.

He affirmed that the Simeuleu residents felt strongly about their seas and would not allow destructive activities, such as fish bombing, to be conducted.

“Our residents even chased the bombers in the sea. This mirrors how they really love their seas,” he remarked.

Related news: Navy arrests fisherman over fish bombing charges in East Flores

Translator: M Razi, Juwita Trisna Rahayu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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