Trawls threaten villagers' bowls

BERAU, East Kalimantan: Traditional fishermen called on the government to stop trawlers from infringing on their territorial zone and threatening their livelihood.

Trawlers are permitted to operate at least two miles off the traditional fishing zone to allow traditional fishermen with rudimentary fishing equipment to get their fair share of the sea's riches.

The meddling trawlers come from Samarinda, Balikpapan and Pasir regencies, small-scale fishermen said.

Berau Regent Arifin Saidi was quoted by Antara as saying that his office had difficulty in monitoring the regency's vast seas due to the lack of personnel, but promised he would crack down on trawlers.(pwn)