Aceh fishermen suffer as trawlers muscle in<\/p>\n
By Ampelsa<\/p>\n
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): Trawls and unchecked fish bombing
\nhas not only destroyed the marine ecosystem, but has also
\nseriously threatened local fisherfolk's livelihood.<\/p>\n
Traditional fisherfolk in southern Aceh can't do anything to
\nstop modern trawls which catch fish of all sizes. Many trawlers
\nuse bombs to catch fish that hide in coral reefs.<\/p>\n
Trawlermen are known to have their base in Sibolga, North
\nSumatra. In the past, it was Thai fishermen who used trawls in
\nthe area until the Navy came along and cracked down on them.<\/p>\n
But since then, the local fisherfolk who use simple methods
\nhave seen their catches drop drastically. Often, fisherfolk come
\nhome practically empty-handed.<\/p>\n
The use of trawls and bombs has drawn concern from not only
\nthe government but also local environmentalists. Banyak Islands
\nFoundation, which aims at preserving the ecosystem at Banyak
\nIslands, has reported that coral reefs there are in grave danger
\nof extinction.<\/p>\n
The foundation's founder, Mahmud Bengkaru, says that the use
\nof bombs is the most destructive.<\/p>\n
Locals say there are at least 50 trawlers operating within the
\nwaters earmarked for local fisherfolk. The law allows trawlers to
\noperate 12 miles offshore.<\/p>\n
Mahmud says the trawlers can freely enter the zone designated
\nfor traditional fisherfolk because owners offer bribes to
\ngovernment officials.<\/p>\n
\"When the Navy ships based in Sabang, north of Banda Aceh,
\npatrol Banyak Islands, the Sibolga trawlers will disappear and
\ncome again after the ships have left,\" Mahmud said.<\/p>\n
When trawlers did not overrun the area, each fisherman could
\nearn between Rp 35,000 and Rp 75,000 a day, but now income has
\ndropped to around Rp 15,000, says Mayuddin, a local fisherman.<\/p>\n
Mayuddin says the trawlermen practically control southern Aceh
\nwaters.<\/p>\n
It is feared that frustrated local fisherfolk would take the
\nlaw into their own hands unless the regency government moves to
\nclear the trawlers from the locals' fishing zone.<\/p>\n
Kasbani Kasim, chief of the Aceh provincial fishery office
\nsays that the presence of trawlers in zones earmarked for local
\nfisherfolk has no legal justification.<\/p>\n
\"I will check on the report with the southern Aceh regent,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Most disheartening is the use of bombs in and around Banyak
\nIslands, which has been developing into a tourist destination
\nwith reefs and exotic marine life as the main attraction.<\/p>\n
The use of explosives have threatened not only the fish and
\nreefs but also human lives. There have been reports of fatal
\naccidents involving mishandling of the bombs.<\/p>\n
Local people have asked the Navy based in Subang to take
\nserious action against the owners of the trawlers which infringe
\non their fishing zone.<\/p>\n
Coral reefs around Bengkaru Island, home of the highly
\nendangered green turtle, are among the most affected. The island
\nhas been designated as a breeding ground.<\/p>\n
The turtles are highly sought after for their eggs, meat and
\nskin. Bengkaru Island is the richest in natural beauty and
\nresources among the 99 islets that make up Banyak Islands.<\/p>\n
At least four species of turtles are found on Bengkaru Island.
\nThe marine riches of the area have received increased attention
\nfrom researchers and environmentalists.<\/p>\n
\"Illegal turtle hunting is difficult to check. It is estimated
\nthat the population of turtles on Bengkaru Island is 5,000,\"
\nMahmud said.<\/p>\n
A 2.5 kilometer stretch between Pelanggaran and Amandangan
\nbeaches has been protected as the place for turtles to lay eggs,
\nusually during moonlight.<\/p>\n
In the past when poaching did not occur, turtles on the island
\ncould lay up to three million eggs a year, but now the number has
\ndropped to between 300,000 and 350,000 a year, according to
\nMahmud.<\/p>\n
Banyak Islands needs serious protection to make it a
\nsuccessful tourist spot.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-fishermen-suffer-as-trawlers-muscle-in-1447893297",
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