ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained four local fishermen and seized 43 units of banned dragon trap (bubu naga) fishing net in Tanjung Dawai.
Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone director Maritime Commander Noor Azreyanti Ishak said the fishermen aged 25 and 51 were caught red handed while pulling the illicit fishing gear at three separate locations yesterday evening.
"The fishermen were caught in the act while pulling the dragon traps at three separate locations about 6.7 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Dawai.
"Inspection on the three boats led to the discovery of 43 units of the banned dragon trap," she said in a statement today.
She added that MMEA subsequently arrested the four fishermen and seized their catches, the dragon traps, three boats with engines worth amounting to RM124,680.
Azreyanti said the case was being investigated under Section 8(a) and Section 11(3)(c) 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing without valid license and using banned fishing gear.
In a separate case, Azreyanti said MMEA had seized 121 units of dragon traps at five separate locations located along the Teluk Sungai Piai coastline.
However, no arrest was made at the locations as the dragon traps were left at the locations by fishermen.
Azreyanti urged those with information on illegal activity in the Kuala Kedah waters to contact MERS 999 or the Kuala Kedah Maritime Zone operations centre at 04-7310579.
Authorities have banned dragon trap fishing nets, predominantly sourced from overseas, citing their detrimental impact on marine ecosystems.
The prohibition stems from concerns over the severe consequences these nets inflict on fish seeds, shrimp, crabs, and other marine life.
