February 2, 2005

Brunei pond shrimp culture growing

Brunei's aquaculture projects, especially in the shrimp industry, have strong potential that can lead to spin-offs such as employment opportunities for residents and downstream activities.

As part of the efforts to develop the shrimp industry, mapped out by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, a dialogue was held yesterday in the Tutong District between the Department of Fisheries and the Penghulus, Village Heads and Head of Longhouses.

Tutong District has been noted as having several potential areas for development, particularly in the pond shrimp industry.

It was disclosed at yesterday's session facilitated by Awg Wardi bin Hj Mohd Ali, Acting District Officer, and Dyg Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim, Acting Director of Fisheries, that six companies are operating pond shrimp culture activities at Kg Keramut, Telisai, Tutong with a total area of 92 hectares.

There is another company operating at an 18-hectare site at Telisai-Sg Paku area, Tutong, while other identified sites are now being developed in the district. The latest technology in shrimp culture will be likely be used at the sites.

The Brunei government, in support of such developments, has provided basic infrastructure such as roads, seawater intake system, freshwater and electricity at the sites.

On the spin-offs of the shrimp culture industry development, the officials hoped that it would generate employment opportunities for residents in the areas, as well as in the downstream activities such as seafood processing in the near future.

Fishing activities are equally important in Tutong District with a total of 105 fulltime fishermen and 316 part-time fishermen registered in the year 2004.

The government has also provided boat ramps at Kuala Tutong and built artificial reefs in Tutong waters to enhance the fisheries resources in this area.