Zainudin (second from right) with Johor agriculture, agro-based industry, and rural committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip (second from left) looking at baby sea turtles being released at Pulau Tinggi in one of the department’s engagement programmes with other agencies.
CONSTANT engagement with government agencies on marine life conservation is vital to raise awareness and to strengthen future cooperation, says Johor Fisheries Department director Zainudin Abd Wahab.
He said a monthly session had been conducted with various agencies as well as with the private sector and non-governmental organisations in line with the agenda.
“This has been our annual programme except during the monsoon season between November and February.
“One of the things that our department is constantly dealing with is the issue of pollution.
“To manage this, we would usually conduct beach cleanup programmes with the agencies, private sector, and NGOs,” he said when contacted.
Zainudin said the drop in water quality caused by pollution would harm marine life, resulting in a drop in their population. Fishermen’s livelihood would be affected in the future, he added.
The department also conducted guided snorkelling programmes on islands popular with tourists such as Pulau Harimau and Pulau Mentinggi, he added.
“There is also a sharing session at our information centre in Pulau Tinggi, Mersing, followed by an island hopping programme and community engagement.
“We want to expose and share what we do with as many people and departments as we can so that they will have some basic knowledge of how conservation works.
“From there, we hope to inspire others to protect marine life, especially areas that have coral reefs and seaweed, as these are important parts of marine life that support the entire ecosystem,” he said.
Zainudin added that the department planned to have more programmes next year with the help of the Johor and federal governments.
“Each year we target at least 45 programmes with agencies and NGOs.
“We also aim for more involvement and cooperation from the private sector,” he added.
