Police Urge Labuan Bajo Residents To Report Illegal Fish Fishing Practices

Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is in the spotlight of the Water and Air Police Corps of the National Police's Security Maintenance Agency (Baharkam) regarding the rampant illegal fishing practices in the region.

The police invite the public to actively report if they know of illegal activities that damage marine ecosystems.

"If anyone hears, finds, or witnesses illegal fishing, immediately report it to us," said Kombes Pol. Dadan, Head of Sub-Directorate for Water Patrol at Polair Korpolairud Baharkam Polri, in a statement in Labuan Bajo, as quoted by ANTARA.

According to him, preventing illegal actions in water areas is not only the responsibility of the security forces, but also requires active community participation. The police themselves have mapped vulnerable locations that often become places for fishing practices with prohibited tools, such as compressors and explosives.

"We have mapped areas that are often the location of illegal fishing activities, including the modes used by the perpetrators," explained Dadan.

Kombes Pol. Dadan also appealed to fishermen to comply with applicable regulations, including using environmentally friendly fishing gear. This is not only to protect marine ecosystems, but also to ensure fishermen are not subject to legal sanctions.

"We hope the fishermen go to sea with fishing gear that is in accordance with regulations and carry complete ship documents. If violations are found, we will take firm action," he said.

In addition, he highlighted the importance of maintaining the sustainability of marine ecosystems. The use of destructive fishing gear such as compressors or explosives in addition to damaging coral reefs, also endangers the lives of fishermen themselves.

After arresting dozens of fishing boats who were proven to have carried out illegal fishing, Korpolairud Baharkam Polri strengthened patrols in West Manggarai waters. This step was taken to minimize damage to marine ecosystems due to illegal fishing practices that still often occur.

"In the past month, we together with regional elements have taken action against fishing boats that violate the rules twice. This is a special concern for us to continue to improve patrols in the area," said Dadan.

West Manggarai, most of whose territory is in the form of water, has a high level of vulnerability to illegal fishing practices. With a sea area of 70 percent of the total area, this area is a big challenge in supervision.

In the last two arrest operations, the joint patrol team managed to secure 24 fishing boats that violated the rules. The ships were found using destructive fishing gear such as compressors and did not have valid licensing documents.

"On Thursday, January 16, we arrested a fishing boat using a compressor. Then on Tuesday, January 21, we managed to secure 23 ships around West Manggarai waters," he added.

The joint patrol team involved in this operation consisted of Korpolairud Baharkam Polri, Ditpolairud Polda NTT, and Satpolairud Polres West Manggarai. This arrest is expected to have a deterrent effect on the perpetrators while increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining marine ecosystems.

With firm steps and cooperation between security forces and the community, it is hoped that illegal fishing practices in Labuan Bajo can be minimized, so that the sustainability of marine resources in the region is maintained for future generations.