MIRI: Starting from August, a close season refuge centre for tiger prawn in the waters of Kuala Baram will be implemented for a period of three months.
Datuk Sebastian Ting explained that this measure aimed to provide ample space for tiger prawns to breed and grow, prohibiting prawn harvesting during the designated period.
“Research on the close season refuge centre for tiger prawns in Kuala Baram has been conducted since 1997,” said the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
“To ensure the population of tiger prawns continues to thrive, we need to establish this centre and regulate the harvesting activities by local trawler operators. I urge everyone to comply with the rules set by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.”
Ting made these remarks during an interaction programme with local fisherfolk here on today (July 13).
He further explained that during the three-month period, a female tiger prawn can release up to 500,000 eggs.
“According to a study conducted by the Bintawa Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), it is estimated that Miri has the potential to produce up to 23 metric tonnes of tiger prawns, with an annual projected yield of RM1.61mil from the sale of these prawns.
“Based on records, the tiger prawn landings in Miri from 2015 to 2021 amounted to 91.61 metric tonnes, with a total sales value of RM6.76mil.”
He commended the Fisheries Department for initiating this project, as it is a unique endeavoor that can generate additional revenue for the local fisherfolk in the long term.
“I was told that currently, there are only two such projects in existence, one in Johor and the other in Kuala Baram.”
