More illegal vessels in Maluku

More illegal vessels in Maluku

TERNATE, North Maluku: Local traditional fishermen and national private fishing companies recently expressed their concern over the increasing presence of Philippine and Taiwanese fishing vessels illegally operating in North Maluku waters.

"Both Philippine and Taiwanese fishing vessels have been illegally operating in the waters around Morotai, Loloda, and Gabe islands in the Maluku district of Halmahera, and such activities have been detrimental to the local traditional fishermen and fishing companies," Abdullah Assegaf, head of North Maluku district, said on Tuesday, Antara reported.

The increase of illegal vessels was seen in the last few months, he said, although figures were not reported.

He further said that foreign fishing vessels are using undetectable equipment that has made security authorities unable to catch them.

So far, local security authorities have caught three Philippine fishing vessels operating illegally in Morotai waters, he said.