It is stated in the news report that the Fisheries Department of Brunei will issue only 160 commercial fishing licences this year in an effort to control and sustain management of marine resources from over exploitation through illegal fishing. It is said that the applicants for the licences are required to use the approved enviromentally friendly fishing gears to minimise the waste of under-sized fish.
Ishak Jarudin, assistant fisheries officer, informed that certain fishing equipment which are allowed to be used during fishing activities include hand lines, long line, drift gill net, intertidal fish trap and beach seine net. He added that the designated zones for commercial small-scale fishing companies have been allocated to fishing areas in Zone 2, which is three to 20 nautical miles from the shore as stated under the temporary ban which was enforced in January 1, 2008.
It is informed that the fishing area of Zone I will be allocated for nursery and feeding grounds for most fish species and shrimp in Brunei’s coastal waters. He added that to further prevent the depletion of marine sources, such as lobster in Brunei waters, under the License regulations of the Licencing Body, it is prohibited to catch a specified size egg-bearing female lobster.
It is told that the renewal of fisheries licences can be obtained by visiting the Fisheries Department or downloaded via the department’s website, while additional fishing regulations are to be abided by fishermen set out by the authorities. Ishak Jarudin explained that licencing of fishing gears for commercial purposes in Brunei are open to all full time and part-time fishermen which is valid for one year, while vessel registration should be made at the Marine Department.
