Belayong (front fifth left) sounds the horn to launch the competition.
MIRI: A licence has been proposed for recreational sports fishing nationwide.
State Fisheries Department director Belayong Nyuak said the government needs to enforce the licence to safeguard and manage the country’s marine resources.
“Presently there is no policy to control these recreational sports fishing activities and a framework of policy should be done, with feedback from the fishing clubs and anglers,” he said when launching the 10th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament yesterday.
He said the department would conduct briefings on a licence for recreational fishing in Sibu on June 15 and on June 17 in Miri.
Citing a four-night trip to Beting Patinggi Ali, he said the cost was around RM18,000 per boat carrying 18 passengers, who could catch between three and five tons of fish.
As such, Belayong said there is a need to licence recreational fishing activities as it could also contribute to the country’s economy.
According to research conducted by the Fisheries Department, populations of grouper, sailfish, tuna, marlin and snapper have already decreased.
“Our Malaysian waters are rich in marine life, not only does this give our fishermen a source of income, but it also a platform for anglers.
“If not controlled it will continue to decrease our marine life,” he said.
At present the state has 14,269 anglers registered with fishing clubs in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
A total of 107 anglers from South Korea, China, Singapore and Malaysia are taking part in the fishing tournament.