Marine capture fisheries

Marine capture fisheries constitute an important sector in the Malaysian economy; not only as a major food source but also as a generator of foreign exchange and employment. Rapid economic growth in recent years has resulted in a significant movement of rural manpower to industrial and urban centres, leaving a declining and aging population of fishers in the industry, particularly where the coastal fisheries are concerned. On the other hand, the offshore fishery is still relatively small though substantial Governmental efforts are being invested in pushing for a “blue water” fisheries fleet. The major problems in the growth of the offshore fishery relate not only to basic issues such as infrastructure, capital and skills, but also to the need to compete with advanced fishing nations such as Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.

This report attempts to provide a broad overview of the fishing industry in Malaysia, particularly in relation to the health of the resources on which it is dependent. It also points out the constraints and contradictions in present resource management regimes and attempts to indicate a way forward in resolving some of them.

Keywords:

• fishing industry
• overexploitation
• resource management
• Malaysia

Notes

*Includes sergestid shrimps, jellyfish and shellfish.

*Includes sergestid shrimps, jellyfish & shellfish.

*Includes sergestid shrimps, jellyfish & shellfish.

*Includes sergestid shrimps, jellyfish & shellfish.