A workshop titled ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Tun Mustapha Park’ held recently in Kudat in Malaysia which discussed that the commercial fishing could save the depleting seafood resources. The workshop was held amidst rising awareness of the critical state of seafood resources in the area, and gathered input from commercial fishermen for the planning of the proposed Tun Mustapha Park.
The discussion brings forth a vision for the commercial fishing industry in Kudat was drafted, which among others pointed out on the need of managing fishing holistically taking into account the conservation of marine ecosystem, protection of species and the well being of local communities. Experts said that commercial fishing activities must be conducted sustainably in the area whereby fisheries resources continue to support the socio-economic development of local communities and demand for seafood from within and beyond the area.
Proposed Tun Mustapha Park is said to be managed together including government agencies, the private sector, fishermen and local communities. After a series of presentations, break-out group discussions revealed the pressures that depleting fish stocks are putting on the commercial industry.
Kenneth Kassem, WWF-Malaysia Head of Marine Conservation, during the workshop said that the climate change may adversely affect fisheries resources. Changes in currents, wetlands, mangroves and other habitats will change the species compositions and abundances. Among stakeholders Fazrullah Rizally Abd. Razak from Sabah Parks said the proposed Park will adopt a multiple-use concept, whereby various zones are identified for different uses and managed through a collaborative management mechanism.
