ID :
188696
Wed, 06/15/2011 - 09:26
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/188696
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PRESERVING MALAYSIA’S MARINE BIODIVERSITY
By Nur Firdaus Abdul Rahim
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Recently, members of the media had the opportunity to experience, first hand, enforcement operations aboard the Malaysian Marine Park Department's newest patrol vessel, in the waters of Pulau Tioman, one of Malaysia's leading marine parks and biodiversity heritage sites.
The operation was led by patrol vessel Kapal Taman Laut 1 Permata (KTL 1 Permata), which was followed by two high-speed boats - PTL 1 and PTL 4.
Commanding officer Mohd Asri Awalluddin headed the operation. The eight crew members included six enforcement members and two engineers.
All three vessels started their engines at exactly 9.30 p.m, leaving the marine park department’s jetty in Pulau Tioman, to patrol the waters around the island.
However, the time of departure and route were kept confidential, to ensure success of the enforcement operation.
ENFORCEMENT AT THE MARINE PARK
The department's director-general, Dr Sukarno Wagiman, said enforcement is the best approach for the government to preserve Malaysia's marine biodiversity.
Malaysia is endowed with a rich marine ecosystem. It is one of world’s 12 nations with megadiversity.
However, constant enforcement is needed, as the marine diversity lies in the open sea. It is, therefore, at risk from destructive human activities, and natural forces such as the El-Nino phenomenon and rising global temperature.
Forty two marine locations in Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Kedah have been gazetted as marine parks. Activities like fishing, that threatens biodiversity, are prohibited here.
Under the Fisheries Act 1985 (amended 1994), anyone caught fishing in restricted zones of marine parks can be fined up to RM20,000, or jailed for two years, or both, said Dr Sukarno.
In 2010, the marine park enforcement team recorded 47 cases that involved various types of vessels and violations.
Trawler boats were the most frequent violators, constituting 65 percent of all those detained. They were followed by fishermen who used drift nets (13 percent), purse seine nets (11 percent), and others (11 per cent). Fines collected amounted to RM111, 800, disclosed Dr Sukarno.
MICRO ENFORCEMENT
Apart from fishing, tourism in marine parks also leads to reef destruction.
Therefore, the enforcement unit has enhanced micro enforcement, which refers to underwater enforcement.
"If, previously, enforcement activities were focused on fishermen who intruded into marine parks; micro enforcement now scrutinizes underwater recreational-activities of tourists. These include snorkeling and scuba-diving, which can pose a danger to reefs," said Dr Sukarno.
He explained that a greater number of marine divers will be enlisted for micro-enforcement at marine parks frequented by tourists and visitors.
"Tour and chalet operators around marine parks also cooperate with us. They are our eyes and ears, and advise their guests what they can and cannot do to preserve our marine heritage," he said.
KTL 1 PERMATA BOLSTERS OPERATION
During the journey, Mohd Asri told media members that the department's enforcement operations have been bolstered by the KTL 1 Permata vessel, that can be operated even during wet spells, when most intrusions occur.
"Since it started operating last December, eight intrusions have been detected, and taken action against. This includes intrusions by foreign fishermen using various types of nets around the waters of Pulau Tioman," he said.
With a range of 900 km, or 500 nautical miles, the vessel can reach a maximum speed of 34 knots. It can carry up to 1,000 liters of fresh water, and 6,000 liters of fuel. It is also equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Built at a local shipyard, Kejuruteraan Kapal Masai (KKM) Sdn Bhd, the vessel can accommodate 16 crew members at any given time.
The vessel is powered by a MAN V12-1360BHP @ 2300 RPM engine, with a horsepower of 1100. It is also equipped with a water jet system.
"KTL 1 Permata is a key asset in enforcement operations at the nation's marine parks," he said.
NO INTRUDERS
KTL 1 Permata cruised at a high speed. Upon reaching 16 knots, the writer and three of his colleagues felt the vessel being tossed about by waves before reaching its final destination of Kampung Juara, east of Pulau Tioman.
Along the way, the writer and colleagues wondered what would happen if they came across intruders, especially foreign fishermen.
Once we reached the final destination, we began circling the area. However, till the operation ended at 12.30 am, the team did not come across any intruders in the 2km radius around Pulau Tioman.
During the return journey, however, we came across a fishing boat from Pahang, bearing a C plate on its hull. After inspection, the boat and the 20 crew members on board were not found to be in violation of any rules.
The department's work does not stop here, though, with patrols each day to apprehend those who threaten the nation’s marine biodiversity and natural heritage.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Recently, members of the media had the opportunity to experience, first hand, enforcement operations aboard the Malaysian Marine Park Department's newest patrol vessel, in the waters of Pulau Tioman, one of Malaysia's leading marine parks and biodiversity heritage sites.
The operation was led by patrol vessel Kapal Taman Laut 1 Permata (KTL 1 Permata), which was followed by two high-speed boats - PTL 1 and PTL 4.
Commanding officer Mohd Asri Awalluddin headed the operation. The eight crew members included six enforcement members and two engineers.
All three vessels started their engines at exactly 9.30 p.m, leaving the marine park department’s jetty in Pulau Tioman, to patrol the waters around the island.
However, the time of departure and route were kept confidential, to ensure success of the enforcement operation.
ENFORCEMENT AT THE MARINE PARK
The department's director-general, Dr Sukarno Wagiman, said enforcement is the best approach for the government to preserve Malaysia's marine biodiversity.
Malaysia is endowed with a rich marine ecosystem. It is one of world’s 12 nations with megadiversity.
However, constant enforcement is needed, as the marine diversity lies in the open sea. It is, therefore, at risk from destructive human activities, and natural forces such as the El-Nino phenomenon and rising global temperature.
Forty two marine locations in Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and Kedah have been gazetted as marine parks. Activities like fishing, that threatens biodiversity, are prohibited here.
Under the Fisheries Act 1985 (amended 1994), anyone caught fishing in restricted zones of marine parks can be fined up to RM20,000, or jailed for two years, or both, said Dr Sukarno.
In 2010, the marine park enforcement team recorded 47 cases that involved various types of vessels and violations.
Trawler boats were the most frequent violators, constituting 65 percent of all those detained. They were followed by fishermen who used drift nets (13 percent), purse seine nets (11 percent), and others (11 per cent). Fines collected amounted to RM111, 800, disclosed Dr Sukarno.
MICRO ENFORCEMENT
Apart from fishing, tourism in marine parks also leads to reef destruction.
Therefore, the enforcement unit has enhanced micro enforcement, which refers to underwater enforcement.
"If, previously, enforcement activities were focused on fishermen who intruded into marine parks; micro enforcement now scrutinizes underwater recreational-activities of tourists. These include snorkeling and scuba-diving, which can pose a danger to reefs," said Dr Sukarno.
He explained that a greater number of marine divers will be enlisted for micro-enforcement at marine parks frequented by tourists and visitors.
"Tour and chalet operators around marine parks also cooperate with us. They are our eyes and ears, and advise their guests what they can and cannot do to preserve our marine heritage," he said.
KTL 1 PERMATA BOLSTERS OPERATION
During the journey, Mohd Asri told media members that the department's enforcement operations have been bolstered by the KTL 1 Permata vessel, that can be operated even during wet spells, when most intrusions occur.
"Since it started operating last December, eight intrusions have been detected, and taken action against. This includes intrusions by foreign fishermen using various types of nets around the waters of Pulau Tioman," he said.
With a range of 900 km, or 500 nautical miles, the vessel can reach a maximum speed of 34 knots. It can carry up to 1,000 liters of fresh water, and 6,000 liters of fuel. It is also equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Built at a local shipyard, Kejuruteraan Kapal Masai (KKM) Sdn Bhd, the vessel can accommodate 16 crew members at any given time.
The vessel is powered by a MAN V12-1360BHP @ 2300 RPM engine, with a horsepower of 1100. It is also equipped with a water jet system.
"KTL 1 Permata is a key asset in enforcement operations at the nation's marine parks," he said.
NO INTRUDERS
KTL 1 Permata cruised at a high speed. Upon reaching 16 knots, the writer and three of his colleagues felt the vessel being tossed about by waves before reaching its final destination of Kampung Juara, east of Pulau Tioman.
Along the way, the writer and colleagues wondered what would happen if they came across intruders, especially foreign fishermen.
Once we reached the final destination, we began circling the area. However, till the operation ended at 12.30 am, the team did not come across any intruders in the 2km radius around Pulau Tioman.
During the return journey, however, we came across a fishing boat from Pahang, bearing a C plate on its hull. After inspection, the boat and the 20 crew members on board were not found to be in violation of any rules.
The department's work does not stop here, though, with patrols each day to apprehend those who threaten the nation’s marine biodiversity and natural heritage.
-- BERNAMA
