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)