Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has apprehended two Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessels caught conducting illegal fishing operations in the North Natuna Sea.
The vessels were intercepted on Monday, April 14, after authorities discovered them using destructive fishing gear, specifically pair trawls, a method banned in Indonesian waters due to its environmental impact.
The seized vessels, identified by hull numbers 936 TS (135 gross tons) and 5762 TS (150 gross tons), were initially detected by Indonesian patrol vessel KP ORCA 03 within Fisheries Management Area 711.
As authorities moved in, the vessels attempted to flee but were eventually subdued after KP ORCA 03 deployed a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to intercept them.
Onboard, officials found approximately 4,500 kilograms of mixed fish and 30 crew members, all of whom were Vietnamese nationals.
Pung Nugroho Saksono, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), estimated the economic loss from the illegal activity could reach 152 billion rupiah (approximately $9.5 million).
“The state is committed to safeguarding the North Natuna Sea from illegal fishing,” said Saksono, also known as Ipunk, in a statement issued Saturday, April 19.
Read Also:
Two Geoparks in Indonesia Join the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network
The vessels were also confirmed to be using pair trawl nets, a method that drags a large net between two boats, often catching juvenile fish and causing widespread damage to marine ecosystems.
“This type of fishing gear is strictly prohibited due to its devastating impact. It indiscriminately captures small fish, depleting marine resources and disrupting ecological balance,” Pung said.
Local fishermen in Natuna and Anambas, part of Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, have long expressed concern over the frequent incursions by foreign fishing vessels, particularly from Vietnam. These ships are often accused of using illegal and environmentally harmful methods, such as trawling, to exploit Indonesian waters.
The Indonesian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its territorial waters and marine resources, vowing to take firm action against any future violations by foreign vessels
(Raidi/Agung)
