Fishermen complain of modern vessels

DENPASAR, Bali: Traditional fishermen in Bali have complained about the operation of big fishing vessels in their seas.

A group of fishermen met with local legislators, saying that foreign fishing boats have been breaching the six mile shore-to- sea zone.

"They fish in our territory all the time," Dwi Agus Siswa Putra, head of Benoa Tuna Cooperative, said.

Each big vessel, mostly operated by Taiwan nationals, has between 1,200 and 1,500 nets and rods, according to Nyoman.

The local fishing agency has issued a warning to foreign ships to stick to the territory allocated to them, but many have reportedly ignored it.

In Benoa alone, a total of 558 foreign fishing boats have been reported in the area. (zen/edt)