Fundasaun Mahein, 13 February 2014
Press Release
Illegal Fishing: Threats and Obstacles for the Security Sector
Mahein’s Voice report No. 69, “Illegal Fishing: Threats and Obstacles for the Security Sector”, discusses the problem of illegal fishing in the Timor Sea. Timor-Leste holds a large maritime area, and its inability to monitor it all gives an opportunity for fishermen from other countries to fish illegally in Timor’s waters. Illegal fishing activity threatens the economy of Timor-Leste as the state misplaces millions of dollars in resources annually.
How is illegal fishing in the Timor Sea still able to occur, and what is its impact on Timor-Leste’s economy both today and in the predictable future? This report addresses these questions. The government has made some effort by investing in state institutions to increase human resources, infrastructure, facilities, and other aspects of institutional operations, but these efforts have yet to show results as the problem of illegal fishing in the Timor Sea is as prevalent as ever.
This FM report seeks to explain the impact that illegal fishing activities such as using explosives and poisons have had on the coral reefs and aquatic environment of the Timor Sea. The report highlights the area of the maritime zone, which has become the focal point of illegal fishing activities. This report also discusses the connection between stopping illegal fishing and the difficulties and obstacles Timor has faced in controlling its wealth, particularly in the area of building institutions, including providing human resources and supplies for patrol of Timor’s maritime area.
This report offers insight into the investments the government has made and challenges the government has faced in trying to develop the capacity to combat illegal fishing. Included in the report is a recommendation to the government to more effectively plan policy and draft legislation surrounding the creation of the National Maritime Authority of Timor-Leste, so that it is better able to cooperate with relevant security sector institutions.
For further details about this report please see the following:
Nélson Belo
Executive Director of FM
Web: www.fundasaunmahein.org
E-mail: direktor.mahein@gmail.com
Contact Number: (+670) 77374222 or (+670) 77561184
