Marine-protected areas planned to replenish fish stocks

THE government will soon establish a network of marine-protected areas (MPA) to ensure the conservation of Brunei's marine life and the replenishment of depleted fish stocks, the Minister of Industry of Primary Resources (MIPR) announced yesterday.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar (pictured) said it was the Fisheries Department's intent to establish the MPA network in Brunei's near shore environment to maintain the biodiversity of the coral reefs and fisheries productivity, which will contribute to Brunei's food security.

"I am hoping that with the department's leadership over the coming year, we will be able to conclude a plan for the new MPAs that provides for this very positive change and improvement in our nation's coastal and marine resources," the minister said at the opening of the World Oceans Day seminar.

Fisheries Director Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim said there was no specific timeline for the establishment of the MPAs. "This is the beginning we have to work within these few months to start the programme, after this we'll sit down and do the planning," she said during a press conference at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Hjh Hasnah added that the establishment will require a change in current legislation, including amendments to the Fisheries Order.

"It requires a lot of work involving drafting legislation and we will work with the Attorney General's Chambers ... There is a lot of hard work ahead of us."

Pehin Dato Hj Yahya said changes in policies and current practices were warranted to sustain a healthy marine ecosystem.

"Brunei is not a large country but we are blessed with rich natural resources resources that can provide for a sustainable and secure future for our nation," he said.

"As we prepare the next five-year National Development Plan, I want to see greater emphasis on the wise use and protection of our nation's coastal and marine resources."

The minister added that Brunei is partnering with international organisations in several conservation and research projects, including the Heart of Borneo initiative and the Coral Triangle Initiatives which aim to maintain coral reefs in the Pacific Rim.

"The future state of our coastal and marine areas appears to be potentially very bright indeed, and their protection can provide a foundation for a secure and productive future for the productivity of Brunei's marine life," he said. Quratul-Ain Bandial The Brunei Times