Jakarta, April 30, 2012 (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) surveillance boat, Hiu Macan 01 has succesfully re-arrested nine Vietnam-flagged boats when conducted illegal fishing activities in Indonesia Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEEI) of Natuna Waters at the end of this week. The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sharif C. Sutardjo in Jakarta give appreciation to his staffs performance in field which succesfully arrested nine illegal boats. "The presence of these illegal fishing boats from neighboring countries is detrimental to our fishermen as well as threatening the sustainability of Indonesian Resources (SDI)," he added.

The Hiu Macan 01 surveillance boat was on a routine patrol, combing the waters that were detected frequently of performed illegal fishing activities by foreign fishermen. When patrolling, the Hiu Macan crew found the foreign fishing boats were conducted suspicious activities. These nine Vietnam-flagged KIA allegedly fishing in Fisheries Processing Area (FPA) of Republic of Indonesia without completed legal documents.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance (DG PSDKP), Syahrin Abdurrahman said he would process the Boat crews who successfully arrested by rapid deportation or repatriation to foreign boat crews non Justicia. This movement was performed based on three reasons, including human factor, minimizing social and economic costs, and result in deterrent effect for these perpetrators. The Ministry itself continue to seek maximum security for fish resources in Natuna waters.

To conduct the surveillance of Indonesian Waters from illegal fishing threatened by foreigners, MMAF continued to increase patrols and provide severe sanctions to perpetrators with seizing the used evidence. "We should take firm and serious action to enforce the law, particularly in illegal fishing case," explained Syahrin.

The activities to combat illegal and destructive fishing are continue to aggressively implemented by the Directorate General of Resources Marine Resources and Fisheries Surveillance (DG PSDKP) of MMAF RI in 2012 have examined 1150 boats, and arrested thirty-nine boats, consisting of eleven Indonesian-flagged boats and twenty-eight foreign-flagged boats.

To suppress the proliferation of illegal fishing, MMAF asked the society to participate actively in monitoring the marine resources and fisheries. As a concrete movement, MMAF has established a Community System Based Surveillance (SISWASMAS) consisting of Surveillance Community Group (Pokmaswas) consisting of 5-10 people fishermen/people, who voluntarily paid great attention to the preservation and protection of marine resources and fisheries. Up to this time had formed 1,450 Pokmaswas which has spread throughout Indonesia.

Many surveillance activities which carried out is aimed to achieve the welfare of Indonesian Fishermen. Along with the mandate of MMAF, the role of surveillance is directed to ensure seamless and increased productivity with continuing to combat illegal and destructive fishing practices.

For more information, please contact Indra Sakti, SE, MM, Head of Data, Statistic and Information Center, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Mobile: 0818159705)

Reporter: Okta
Editor: PR Wire
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