Sabah collaborates with NGO for fish bomb-free initiative

KOTA KINABALU: An initiative called "Fish Bomb-Free Sabah" will see the two non-governmental organisations – Blu Hope and Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia – collaborating with state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) in efforts to conserve marine ecosystems in Sabah.

The initiative, which is set to expand and achieve greater effectiveness in curbing this illegal and destructive fishing technique thus ensuring a continuous marine protein supply, will also see widespread job creation for Sabah's coastal and island communities.

"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 upcycling, Fish Bomb-Free Sabah is a ground-breaking and potentially a game-changing solution for the rest of the world to watch, support and follow," said Blu Hope founder Simon Christopher in a joint statement here on Tuesday (Aug 22).

Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia, meanwhile, has been at the forefront of detecting fish bombing activities in real-time over recent years through its innovative hydrophone technology.

"The ministry's support is a really solid step towards a future where marine life can thrive without the threat of fish bombing.

"Our coastal and island communities' livelihoods and entire sustenance depend on a healthy marine environment," added Stop Fish Bombing director Terence Lim.

Maffi minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said they recognised the importance of the initiative, and supporting it aligns with their mission of promoting sustainable fisheries.

According to the press statement, the Fish Bomb-Free Sabah collaboration was triggered by EU Malaysia's four-year 'Community Action Fish Bomb-Free Seas Semporna, Sabah' project which was done with the Semporna Islands Project and WWF Malaysia.

Representatives from the EU and German embassies in Kuala Lumpur also voiced support on stopping fish bombing during the recent ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit held here from Aug 18-21.

German Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Peter Blomeyer in his video address during the Fish Bomb-Free Sabah session in the summit, said Germany is assessing the situation to see how they can contribute to these efforts.

EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas in his video address earlier during the summit's 'Sabah/Malaysia Plastic Neutral' panel discussion on Saturday, said: "Through our Semporna Plastic Neutral programme, we aim to help people overcome hardcore poverty, so that they will not be forced to use environmentally destructive methods simply to survive."