North Sumatra's HNSI Calls For Elimination Of Trawlers

MEDAN, Jan 5 (Antara) - The North Sumatra branch of the Indonesian Association of Fishermen (HNSI) has urged the government to crack down on illegal operation of trawlers in the North Sumatra fishing ground. "Trawlers must not allowed to operate in sea off the eastern and western coasts North Sumatra," deputy chairman of the regional branch of HNSI Nazli said here on Thursday. As from January 1 , 2018, seine nets and the like should not be seen in operation in the North Sumatra waters, Nazli said, adding,"the Sea Security Agency (Bakamla) or the Navy should be strict in dealing against trawlers." He said the government through the Marine and Fisheries Ministry has been tolerant enough by allowing trawlers to operate for two years hoping the fishermen could gradually change their fishing gears with ones more environmentally friendly . "The regulation of the Marine and Fisheries Minister No. 2 of 2015 banning the use of trawls and seine nets should be strictly enforced," he said. Nazli said HNSI of North Sumatra would continue to monitor if trawlers are still found operating in the North Sumatra sea. Earlier, Marine and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said the use of trawls and seine nets was no longer allowed as from January 1, 2018. "As from January 1, 2018 , trawlers and seine net vessels may no longer operate in Indonesian waters," Susi said telling a group of traditional fishermen in the sub-district of Teluk Mengkudu, regency of Serdang Bedagai late last year. Susi said the regulation is in the interest of traditional fishermen, adding the interest of traditional fishermen has been badly hurt by the operation of trawlers. Trawlers have not only arbitrarily caught fish including newly hatched juvenile fish but also damage the ridge of rock and the ecosystem, she said.