REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KUPANG -- In the last two weeks, there have been reports that several foreign fishing boats were spotted operating near East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) territorial waters, stated Indonesia Fisherman Association (HNSI) Head of Kupang branch Maxi Ndun.

"In only a week, some local fishermen have reported to me that several foreign fishing boats were fishing in our waters," Maxi noted here on Friday.

Based on the reports, the foreign boats were also using fishing tools that were not ecofriendly, such as cantrang and trawls, he remarked.

On Sunday (Oct. 18), the local fishermen caught two foreign fishing boats bearing the Indonesian flag while fishing in Laut Sawu National Water Park, which is a conservation area.

Following the enactment, this area is restricted to fishing or other activities that will harm the ecosystem of the national park.

"Fishing activities in the area have been prohibited, but the unidentified fishermen continue to come and fish, while the local fishermen are banned from fishing near the area," he noted.

Based on the report received from the local fishermen, the foreign boats came from the Philippines.

Two Indonesians were onboard the boat and were assigned the task of communicating with the local (Indonesian) fisherman if caught stealing fish.

He believed that the foreign boats showed up in the NTT waters as the security had been tightened in other parts of Indonesia's maritime territory.

"Or probably the fish stocks in their waters have already run out," he noted.

Hence, he expressed hope that the central and local government authorities would adopt a more serious approach to secure the NTT waters, so that the fish catch continues to overflow, and the environment of the Laut Sawu National Water Park can be preserved.

"We have sent reports outlining the location of illegal fishing to Mrs. Susi (Minister of Marine and Fisheries), but we have not received any response until this day," he added.

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