RI loses Rp30 trillion per year by illegal fishing

"Of course we also need the support of regional governments," he added.

The maritime and fisheries sector, he said, had a competitive ability to move the national economy.

The fisheries sub-sector`s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had increased by 18 percent in 2006. Fishery production in 2005-2006 increased by an average of 7.64 percent.

Fishery exports in 2006 totaled 1.02 million tons and added US$2.08 billion to the country`s foreign exchange earnings.

Ironically, the country`s fishery resources were being seriously threatened by the wide-spread use of irresponsible management and exploitation methods, he said.