By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Oct 13: Miri can be transformed into a tuna fishery hub with comprehensive strategic planning and collaboration from all players in the industry.
“Tuna oceanic fishing has great potential not only to help generate more income to our local fishermen but also transform Miri into a hub for such activity,” said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
Speaking at the launching of the 2022 tuna fishing industry development consultancy and shark resource management programme in Miri, Ting said, in order to expand the industry, both public and private sector stakeholders need to collaborate to operate using bigger vessels for deep fishing activities.
Four major tuna species targeted commercially are yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, and albacore tuna.
Ting added, the local authority (PBT) could also do its part in promoting recreational tuna fishing so as to promote Miri as a tourist hotspot.
On another note, Ting said the government strongly supports the international plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (IPOA-Sharks) developed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation to ensure sustainable and well-managed shark fisheries, including for rays.
Earlier on, Sarawak Fisheries Department deputy director Liza Long disclosed that several major tuna species are frequently found at about 80 nautical miles off the coast in Miri waters.
During today’s programme, two deep sea fishing operators—Medal More Sdn Bhd and Hai Nyak Sea Product Cold Storage Company— received assistance in the form of fishing equipment from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia worth RM25,000 each. — DayakDaily
