Trawlers threaten fisherpeople

Trawlers threaten fisherpeople

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Six illegal trawlers are threatening
traditional fisherpeople's livelihoods in Central Tapanuli, North
Sumatra, Antara reported yesterday.

Individual fisherpeople who use traditional equipment have
asked the authorities to prohibit the six trawlers from operating
because they claim the large boats catch fish indiscriminately.

The local government banned trawlers in 1980 in a bid to
protect traditional fisherpeople.

Central Tapanuli fisherpeople said they saw the six trawlers
operating in Bengkulu waters before the vessels moved to their
area.

They warned that the trawler crews would be at risk if they
did not leave the Central Tapanuli territorial waters, Antara
reported. (pan)