The fisheries enforcement : a case study of selected districts in Terengganu

Abstract

The study focuses mainly on the present status of fisheries sector in Terengganu and its enforcement system. This thesis highlights on the type of fishing gear, fishing boats, sighting of patrol boats, inspection by patrol boats, fishing licensing offences that occur in Terengganu waters. The study includes a questionnaire survey to measure the perception of the fishermen in survey places in Terengganu especially Kuala Terengganu and Marang district. To better understand the fisheries management and regulation at the survey sites, interviews and discussion were conducted with key individuals in the Department of Fisheries (DOF) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).The Fisheries Act 1985 is used as a standard and parameters of the survey. The survey indicated the number of fishing boats, sighting of patrol boats and inspection of boats, education attainment and duration of employment is not determinant factor to enforce the law. The study includes the perception of fishermen towards enforcement activity carried out by the enforcement agencies and lack of patrolling activity. The fishermen were also asked about their perception towards trawling ban.