By DayakDaily Team
TANJUNG MANIS, Oct 1: Nearly RM100 million has been invested in deploying almost 17,000 artificial reef units in Sarawak’s waters as part of efforts to strengthen marine habitats while creating new economic opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the initiative, implemented in two phases, covered about 740 kilometres of Sarawak’s coastline, stretching from Tanjung Datu to Lawas.
He said the artificial reefs had also contributed to increased fish catches in several areas, including Belawai, Pulau Bruit, Lundu, Kabong, Sebuyau and Mukah, following the implementation of the projects.
“The initiative is not only about strengthening marine habitats, but also creating opportunities for the fisheries sector and local communities to benefit economically,” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
However, Len Talif stressed that increased fishing activities must be accompanied by responsible and sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term viability of marine resources.
“As we work to increase fisheries yields, fishing must be carried out sustainably so that these resources can continue to be preserved,” he said.
He highlighted this after officiating at the Seminar on Empowering Community and Village Leaders (KMKK) in Environmental Stewardship Towards Sustainable Development at the Pusaka Tanjung Manis Furniture Industrial Complex (KIPPTM) here on Tuesday (Sept 29).
According to Len Talif, the first phase of the initiative involved an allocation of about RM70 million and focused on establishing breeding and protection areas for marine life.
The second phase, meanwhile, aims to expand the economic benefits of the initiative through activities such as coral cultivation, which has commercial potential, while encouraging greater participation by local communities.
Len Talif also stressed the importance of conserving coastal ecosystems, particularly mangrove forests, which serve as critical breeding and nursery grounds for shrimp and various marine species.
He said the continued protection of these ecosystems was essential to maintaining the productivity and sustainability of Sarawak’s fisheries resources. — DayakDaily
