Addressing Growth Overfishing and Trash Fish Catch in Trawlers in Malaysia. Ahmad Adnan Nuruddin FRI Kampung Acheh, Sitiawan, Malaysia

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1 Addressing Growth Overfishing and Trash Fish Catch in Trawlers in Malaysia Ahmad Adnan Nuruddin FRI Kampung Acheh, Sitiawan, Malaysia 1

2 Trash fish landings by trawlers in Malaysia AREA Trash fish landings (tonnes) % trash in trawl landings Trawlers Overall % by trawlers West Coast, Peninsular Malaysia 132, , East Coast,Peninsular Malaysia 58,777 60, Sabah, Sarawak & Labuan 23,899 31, Whole Malaysia 214, , Mitigating measure: Imposition of a minimum codend mesh size at 38mm for trawlers. 2

3 Background (1) : First comparative study between shrimp trawl codends of 25mm and 38mm by the Fisheries Research Institute. Results recommended a minimum of 38mm codend mesh size to be used by shrimp trawls. The recommendation was accepted and became law when it was included in the Fisheries Act The act does not differentiate between shrimp trawls and other trawlers, therefore the regulation covers all trawls. The regulation was not enforced until

4 Background (2) 2007: First attempt to enforce the 38mm regulation. Mass protest by some trawler fishermen against the implementation, particularly in the states of Perak and Selangor. Trawlers from both states represented 28% of the licensed trawlers in Malaysia (6,340 units). Main contention by fishers was that using 38mm codend mesh size will drastically reduce their catches. The protest resulted in a meeting between DOF and fishermen chaired by the then Minister of Agriculture on 15 January

5 Background (3) Outcome of the meeting: A joint study by DOF and representatives of trawler fishermen on the 38mm issue Establishment of a steering committee headed by DOF, and the members coming from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Development Board, Fishermen s Association, 6 Independent Researchers, 6 Fishermen s representatives and 12 representatives from DOF Establishment of a technical committee headed by a member of the Malaysian Institute of Maritime Affairs (a Professor and former academician) and members coming from academicians (4), independent researcher (1), fishermen s representatives (4) and DOF representatives (4). 5

6 Background (4) Objective of the joint study to compare the catches of 38mm codend mesh size to those used by fishermen, namely 12mm, 20mm, 22mm and 25mm. Testing of 3 hypothesis: Using 38mm codend mesh size will not reduce the catch of commercial fish Composition of juvenile commercial fish will be lower by using 38mm codend mesh size The value of commercial catch by 38mm codend mesh size will not be significantly different from those caught by smaller mesh sizes normally used by fishermen. 6

7 Background (4) Conclusion of the study: Using 38mm codend mesh size does not significantly reduce the catch weight of commercial fish although the percentage caught is lower. The percentage composition of small-sized fish is lower for 38mm codend mesh size, compared to smaller mesh sizes of 25mm. No significant differences in catch value between the 38mm and smaller mesh sizes. Economic studies indicate the usage of 38mm or smaller mesh sizes are not profitable. The industry is more social-oreinted rather than economic-oriented. 7

8 OUTCOME Result of the study was accepted by all parties involved. DOF recommended: the regulation be enforced a specific license to be issued for sergestid trawlers an activity discovered at the onset of the study, using mesh size of 12mm. However, the 38mm codend mesh size regulation was still not enforced. 8

9 Lessons learnt Prior to enforcing the regulation: A suitable transition period is necessary. During the transition period DOF need to conduct awareness building forums to increase acceptance of the regulation by fishermen. Encourage voluntary acceptance of 38mm codend mesh size during the transition period. 9

10 LATEST DEVELOPMENT The current Minister of Agriculture and Agri-based Industries agreed that the 38mm cod end mesh size regulation be enforced beginning November

11 THANK YOU 11