The Seribu Islands Maritime, Agricultural and Food Security Sub-agency (KPKP) is supervising fishing boat operational permits and monitoring marine and fisheries resources.

They were fishing with non-environmentally friendly fishing gear and did not have an Andon permit

Seribu Islands KPKP Sub-agency's Maritime and Fisheries Section Head, Elis Rora said the supervision was conducted to follow up on the Community Monitoring Group (Pokmaswas)'s reports regarding fishing boats that violated and have no permits according to applicable regulations.

"We took action against six fishing boats as they were fishing with non-environmentally friendly fishing gear and did not have an Andon permit," she expressed, Friday (2/16).

She explained four boats from Cirebon City had no complete documents and their validity period had expired. Then one boat from Tangerang City, Pakuhaji, violated regulations using cantrang fishing gear and had an incomplete Andon permit, as well as one fishing boat from the North Seribu Islands which did not bring boat documents.

"Those who do not bring documents are given advice and encouraged to always bring documents when fishing. As for boats whose validity period has expired must immediately renew their documents," she explained.

She explained the boats violated the Maritime and Fisheries Ministry Regulation Number 18/2021 on the Placement of Fishing Equipment and Fishing Aids in the Fisheries Management Areas and the High Seas and the Determination of Fishing Andons.

Hopefully, this action could increase the awareness of fishermen to always preserve the marine ecosystem with environmentally friendly fishing gear and always comply with fishing regulations with boat documentation.

"We'll keep intensifying this action for the comfort of the fishermen too. If the same mistake is found again, they will be subject to administrative sanctions, revocation of their boat permits," he asserted.

North Seribu Islands Sub-district Head, Angga Saputra positively welcomed and supported the monitoring activities conducted by the Seribu Islands KPKP Sub-agency.

He added the document inspection does not only take place on land, but in the sea is also very pending which is aimed at the common good and protecting the Seribu Islands' marine ecosystem.

"We support activities like this, as there are rules for catching fish. Hopefully, fishermen can be more obedient to the rules. Let's prevent things that can damage the natural environment here," he stated.