KUANTAN: Trawler boat operators have been advised to use "pukat jerut" (purse seine) starting from next year as the government will ban the usage of "pukat tunda" (trawl net) from Jan 1, 2016.
Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ban would first be imposed within Zone B, between eight and 15 nautical miles from shore, and may be extended further after discussions with fishermen associations and relevant agencies.
He said about 5,000 trawler boat operators and fishermen could apply for the purse seine licences, which issuance was previously discontinued by the Fisheries Department.
"From the feedback we receive and studies made, purse seines are more suitable for Zone B and C as they have lower impact on the marine ecosystem compared with trawl nets," he told reporters after opening the "Road to the International Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition" programme here yesterday.
He said inshore fishermen, who operate within Zone A (less than 8 nautical miles from shore), must also upgrade their boats and equipment if they wanted to use the purse seine in Zone B.
"They are not allowed to use the purse seine within Zone A as it will affect inshore fishermen who are still using fishing rods and small net to catch fish," he said.
However, Ismail said the ministry might allow a smaller type of "pukat jerut" for Zone A in future, depending on the feedback from fishermen associations and the agencies involved.