C. Java boosts fish farming

SEMARANG (JP): Central Java expects its inland fish production to increase to 16,705 tons this year from 13,153 tons last year.

Nunuk Setyono, a spokesman for the province's office for the fishery sector, said on Tuesday that in terms of value, fish production rose to Rp 63.3 billion (US$9.05 million) from Rp 24.2 billion.

He said the office had spread some 700,000 fish seeds in local waters of about 44,326 hectares comprising dams, swamps, rivers and pools to further increase the production.

He said the decision was taken to augment local fishermen's earnings and to increase fish consumption which is only 12.9 kilograms per person at present. (06)