Brunei ramps up marine conservation efforts
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei government is taking various measures to support marine conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The measures include designating over 20 per cent of the nation's fisheries management area – more than 1,200sq km – as a 'No Take Zone' through the establishment of Marine Protected Area (MPA) to prevent overfishing and safeguard marine biodiversity; enforcing a moratorium on new bottom trawl licences since 2001; and prohibiting shark fishing and trade of all shark products since 2015 to protect threatened marine species and preserve ecological
These initiatives were mentioned by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin in his remarks as guest of honour at the deployment of 100 reef balls of four different sizes in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, held in conjunction with the celebration of World Ocean Day 2025 on Thursday (July 10).
Other initiatives, he added, include 'combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through the active enforcement of the National Plan of Action and optimising technology to track and monitor fisheries activities; conducting national fish stock assessments and developing a Fisheries Stock Database to enable informed and evidence-based decisions for sustainable fisheries management; as well as leveraging the use of artificial intelligence to enhance coral reef monitoring, enabling precise reef health evaluation and adaptation to the impacts of climate change'.
The minister also highlighted restoration and propagation of seagrass ecosystems, with special focus on vulnerable species.
'Over 100 seagrass plots were successfully planted at Bedukang Island in May, as one of Brunei Darussalam's efforts to salvage and expand the species in its significant role in the ecosystem.'
He further revealed, 'Over 1,400 artificial reefs were deployed between 2020 and 2023. We are committed to deploying an additional 1,000 artificial reefs by 2029, further supporting marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. We are proud to continue this journey with the deployment of an additional 100 units of artificial reefs at Pelong Rocks, contributing to our ongoing marine ecosystem restoration efforts.'
Brunei Darussalam, the minister emphasised, 'will continue to invest time and effort in marine science for our younger generations, who will be the next key players in sustaining ocean governance in the future. At the same time, we call upon all stakeholders from industries nationwide to adopt environmentally conscious practices to achieve sustainable economic development.'
The minister also raised concerns that the ocean is under growing threats across the globe, including in the region, where marine ecosystems are gradually degrading on a large scale as a result of human actions.
He cited threats such as marine pollution – driven by the irresponsible disposal of plastic and industrial waste, as well as abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear – continuing to harm marine habitats.
'Evidence of microplastic pollution and ghost nets in reef systems are some of the pressing issues identified, highlighting the urgent need for further research and effective solutions to address these threats,' he said.
He added that unsustainable extraction of marine resources due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, along with the destruction of mangroves and other coastal landscapes, have disrupted the balance of ecosystems.
Beyond these immediate concerns, he said, 'the health of our marine ecosystems is also increasingly challenged by broader and more complex impacts of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures lead to more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, while ocean acidification weakens reef structures and inhibits the growth of shelled organisms'.
'These changes not only disrupt the delicate balance of the entire marine food web and ecosystems but also jeopardise the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean for food, income and cultural heritage,' he said. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
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