October 2, 2024

 

Malaysia to amend law for better regulation of aquaculture

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is preparing to amend the country's Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) in a comprehensive effort to strengthen regulations surrounding aquaculture activities, improve biosecurity measures, and better protect the nation's fishery resources, Bernama reported.

 

DOF Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain revealed that the detailed amendments will address several key aspects of the fisheries sector. These include illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUU), Port State Measures (PSM), Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS), marine protected areas, aquaculture, biosecurity, expansion, and the Fisheries Impact Assessment (FIA). The amendments are expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat later this year.

 

He stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to combat illegal fishing activities and eliminate IUU practices. The DOF has already established the National IUU Main Committee and the IUU Working Committee, which include various enforcement agencies such as the Sabah Fisheries Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the Marine Police Force.

 

"Malaysia faces the ongoing threat of IUU fishing from both local and foreign vessels. This issue requires a strategic and multi-faceted approach, starting with enhanced monitoring efforts," Adnan stated.

 

To date, 510 arrests have been made this year for violations under the Fisheries Act 1985, resulting in fines totalling MYR 355,584 (US$85,400).

 

Adnan also highlighted the DOF's role in promoting the aquaculture sector, particularly marine aquaculture, as part of Malaysia's blue economy goals. The National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0) outlines strategies to improve food security through the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

 

"The DOF is actively pursuing initiatives aligned with the blue economy, focusing on the sustainable management of marine resources and fisheries," he said.

 

The department has been implementing conservation and management programmes aimed at sustaining fish stocks in Malaysian waters, alongside the enforcement of laws against IUU fishing. Efforts include promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture techniques to reduce ecosystem impacts while improving product quality and safety.

 

In managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Adnan explained that the DOF works closely with various agencies and local communities to protect marine biodiversity, critical habitats, and key fish breeding areas.

 

As part of its blue economy commitments, the DOF is also focused on reducing plastic pollution in the oceans. The department runs education and awareness campaigns for fishermen and local communities on the dangers of plastic waste to the marine ecosystem.

 

Adnan also noted that the DOF is encouraging the adoption of modern technologies such as satellite monitoring and geographic information systems (GIS) to improve fisheries and marine area management. These innovations help detect ecosystem changes early, enabling more effective resource management.

 

He further emphasised the importance of involving local communities in conserving fisheries resources through initiatives like myKomuniti Perikanan (myKP) and myAgropreneur Perikanan (myAP). These programmes aim to engage fishermen and local communities in managing fishery resources.

 

"To reduce reliance solely on fishing, the DOF encourages income diversification through eco-tourism and aquaculture activities, helping to ease pressure on fish stocks while boosting local economies," Adnan added.

 

-      Bernama