SPATIAL MEASURES 1. Zoning system was introduced to ensure the fishery resources sustain, social, economy and new economic policies. 2. To ensure and prevent conflict between traditional fishermen and commercial fishermen. 3. Implementation of the zoning system, zone A (5nm & below) can conserve fishery resources in the zone which is the main area of reproduction and growth of fish fry. 4. Selected traditional equipment are used to ensure the fisheries resources sustein and prevent coral damage.
0-5 nm 5-12 nm A ZONE B ZONE 30 nm to EEZ 12-30 nm High Seas Boundary C ZONE C2 ZONE C3 ZONE 0 <40 GRT 0 <40 GRT 40 <70GRT 70 GRT and above 70 GRT and above For Traditional Fisherman(Owner Operator) & Traditional Anchovy Purse Seiner Trawlers & Purse Seiner (Owner Operator) Trawlers & Purse Seiner (Owner Operated & Non Owner Operated) Trawlers & Purse Seiner Tuna Longliners & Tuna Purse Seiner * There is no restriction for vessels operating in the inner zones to fish in the zones further up e.g. vessels in Zone A are allowed to fish in Zone B, C and C2.
TEMPORAL MEASURES The Department of Fisheries cooperates with the Department of Marine Park to ensure that there is a closed area/ban for fish spawning for conservation of fishery resources. The Department intends to conduct a closed season for certain areas and at certain times to ensure fishery resources are not exploited without control Artificial Reef have been built in certain areas for resource restore and to protect the encroachment of the trawler.
CATCH MEASURES TACs quota system, By catch and size limits are not applicable and practical to carry out due to the multilevel and multispecies of fish.
GEAR-RELATED MEASURES No encroachment by commercial fishing vessels, trawlers particular zone A (less than 5 nm) in order to prevent the destruction of fish breeding area. The mess size of trawl nets used are not less than 38mm to ensure that only certain permitted fish size are caught. Damaging and prohibited equipment such as prawn trawl nets, crocodile trawl nets etc. will be fully enforced. Pair trawl (kenka) vessel that only exist in the state of Perak are monitored more frequently and effectively.
ON-DECK OPERATIONAL PRACTICES Research on Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) was already carried out and the findings for the tropical trawlers is practical as under the study, turtles are 100% not trap in trawler net. Whereas, Marine Excluder Device (MAEDs) practices is still under study to trap only shrimps.
POLICY MEASURES All fishermen those work on fishing vessel must registered with the Department of Fisheries. Provides subsidy to all vessel operators of zone A, B, and C, to help in the development of fishing industry and to ensure the supply of food (protein) is sufficient. The government also provides incentive to fishermen for their landings. The Department of Fisheries has been conducting research and found out that the fisheries catch have reached the maximum economic yield (MEY) for the use of a variety of highly efficient commercial equipment such as trawl nets, pair trawl (kenka) and others. The Fisheries Department has been implemented various projects for the conservation of fishery resources such as the artificial reefs and fish fry release to the public water. The Department of Fisheries has always hold a joint interaction with the fishermen to provide education and awareness about the importance of conserving fisheries resources to ensure the future of fishing.
DATA COLLECTION MEASURES The Fisheries Department has made it mandatory for all fishing vessels to install MTU/ VMS C2. The GPS and echo-sounder devices are used by most fishermen in this country because it is more convenient & an effective way to detect fishing ground and eventually improve the catch. The Department also implement a monitoring program to ensure Vessel Operational Report (LOV) of fish catches landed in the country and not vice versa. The Malaysian Marine Enforcement Agency (MMEA) also assist in carrying out enforcement on fishermen trespassing offense, using foreign crews without a permit, operating without a valid vessel license and a wide variety of other offenses
MCS MEASURES Licensing policy of the Department of Fisheries has determined that each licensed vessel must paint code vessel zones (A, B, C, C2 & C3) on both sides of the wheel house in white and black background. Each vessel must register to obtain license and equipment from the Department of Fisheries. Additionally, each fisherman must comply with all licensing policy set and they can be caught or punished if found guilty.
GOVERNANCE & COMMUNICATION PROCESS Fisheries Department conducts regular joint programs with other government agencies such as awareness programs, exhibitions, day meet clients etc. Such programs can provide the latest information on technological developments in the fishing industry, providing an insight into the importance of protecting fishery resources, reminding them about fisheries act and etc. The Fisheries Department also provides courses which can improve fishing skills such as master of local trade courses, vessel engine and fishing nets repair and others. The Fisheries Department has upgraded/improve the delivery system to target group through the use of e-license system such as license renewal, transfer and shifting base, engine parts and so can be made on-line (online) to facilitate and expedite all type of application made by fishermen. The Fisheries Department conducts National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) with relevant agencies such as Customs, Marine Police, Marine Department, the Immigration and MMEA in enforcement operations from time to time.
The Fisheries Department also issued Catch Certificate (CC) and also a certificate of Annex IV certification required for export of fresh or processed fish to the import countries. The Fisheries Department also launched the TED (turtle extruder devices) which is a device installed in trawl nets to prevent turtles being caught.