Mini trawlers in Jakarta Bay

Mini trawlers in Jakarta Bay

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of mini trawlers operating in Jakarta Bay have frustrated local fishermen.

The chief of traditional fishermen in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, H. Achmad Royani, said that the fishermen's catch has been dropping since the mini trawlers began operating some months ago.

"We used to catch 50 kilograms of fish a day, but now only 10 kilograms," said Achmad as quoted by Antara on Wednesday.

The traditional fishermen, who operate in Cilincing, Marunda and Muara Angke with ordinary boats, cannot keep up with the mini trawlers.

Achmad said he was surprised by the mini trawlers, which seemed to have replaced the big trawlers that traditionally operated in the Jakarta Bay waters up until a few months ago.

The mini trawlers and fishermen generally operate at the same time, from 7:00 p.m. to 03.00 a.m.

According to Presidential Decree No. 39/80, it is illegal to use any type of trawler, which threaten both the traditional fisherman and marine resources. (09)