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