Dr Jeffrey at the ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit Tuesday.
KOTA KINABALU (Tuesday Aug 22): Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) reaffirmed its dedication by strengthening commitment to marine conservation across Sabah’s coastline.
The Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said, “Supporting ‘Fish-Bomb-Free Sabah’ aligns with the government’s mission of promoting sustainable fisheries.”
“We recognise the importance of this initiative, and we stand firm in our commitment to protect our marine heritage, ” he said in a statement Tuesday.
MAFFI extends its support to “Fish Bomb Free Sabah” alongside “Sabah Plastic Neutral”, with EU/German Embassies in KL’s support during ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit (18-21st August) MAFFI has extended its unequivocal support to two NGOs’ Stop Fish Bombing and Blu Hope to help deliver Fish-Bomb-Free Sabah.
This collaboration promises to significantly improve efforts in conserving marine ecosystems, and ensure a continuous marine protein supply plus widespread job-creation for Sabah’s coastal and island communities.
Through its innovative hydrophone technology, Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia has been at the forefront of detecting fish bombing activities in ‘real-time’ over recent years.
With the Ministry’s support, the initiative is set to expand and achieve greater effectiveness in curbing this illegal and most destructive of all fishing techniques.
“Our coastal and island communities’ livelihoods and entire sustenance depends on a healthy marine environment,” stated Terence Lim, the Director of Stop Fish Bombing.
He said, the Ministry’s support is a really solid step towards a future where marine life can thrive without the threat of fish bombing.
“Instead of simply arresting fish-bombers for trying to feed their families by offering the poorest and most marginalised communities including the Bajau Laut ‘sea gypsies’ alternative livelihoods through the creation of a new increased plastic value chain via large plastic waste up-cycling.
Fish-Bomb-Free Sabah is a ground-breaking – potentially game-changing solution for the rest of the world to watch, support and follow” concluded Simon Christopher, Blu Hope’s Founder.
Launching ADEX Sabah’s Fish-Bomb-Free Sabah’s session with a video address after visiting Semporna himself recently, German Ambassador to Malaysia, Peter Blomeyer concluded by saying:
“Germany is currently assessing the situation to see how it can contribute. However, my appeal to you now is get involved, contribute and let us save this paradise which Nature has created here in Sabah and entrusted to us.”
Blu Hope’s Fish-Bomb-Free Sabah collaboration with Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia was triggered by EU Malaysia’s 4-year Community Action Fish-Bomb-Free Seas Semporna, Sabah.
Together with Semporna Islands Project and WWF Malaysia announced during ADEX Sabah’s Ocean Partnership Summit, ending with a 23-hour underwater beach clean around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park on Monday.
Furthermore, during ADEX Sabah’s Sabah/Malaysia Plastic Neutral panel discussion on Saturday, EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas ended his video address by saying; “Through our Semporna Plastic Neutral program, we aim to help people overcome hardcore poverty, so that they will not be forced to use environmentally destructive methods simply to survive.
“Overall, we strive to create a healthier balance between Planet, People and Profit – and to forge greater peace and harmony across the whole region”.
This exciting new Fish-Bomb-Free collaboration underscores the shared dedication of all three parties to ensure the preservation of Sabah’s marine ecosystems.
Working closely together, with the strong support of EU, German Embassies plus legendary environmentalists such as Sir David Attenborough, they are paving the way towards eradicating the menace of fish bombing throughout Sabah and across the wider-Coral Triangle during UN Oceans and Restoration Decade.
