The status and prospects of developing fisheries in Sarawak

Abstract

1. Introduction Sarawak has 13,221 fishermen. In 1987, about 69,442 metric tonnes of fish was landed valued at $200 million. However, we still import fish valued at $36.9m especially from Semenanjung Malaysia and Sabah. The objectives of our Fisheries Department are: 1.1 To increase fish production for our increasing population needs. 1.2 To reduce imports. 2. Vision for the year 2000 ing re There is a need to explore deep sea fishing by using modern methods such as bigger boats and nets. Another priority should also be to look into aqua-culture. The National Agricultural Folicy (NAP) advocates the establish- ment of fishing section through commercial enterprises and to make them economically viable. It also aims to maximise fishing units to exploit fish resources.