Villagers to use fishing aggregation device

By GYNNIE KERO
VILLAGERS living along the coast will use an allocated fishing ground using the in-shore fish aggregation device.
The device is being tried out in Wewak, East Sepik. It is a breeding ground which provides shade and food for fish and ensure the safety of fishermen who will concentrate their fishing activities in an allocated area.
Fisheries officers in Wewak have deployed 10 such devices to create common fishing grounds for locals and  build up the resilience of coral reefs.
Six other provinces will benefit from this government project under its food security and enhancement programme.
Senior adviser Willie Sangi said the programme looked very promising in terms of food security and income generation for the people in the coastal provinces. He thanked the National Fisheries Authority for the support.
He said the deployment of the devices should take the pressure away from the reefs and help revive them.
Traditionally, the fish aggregation devices are made from bamboos and other bush materials attached to the sea floor by natural fibre ropes.
But the modern version is made from steel, aluminum and fibreglass.
Filipino-based fishing company Frabelle gave two such devices to East Sepik to help increase the supply of fish.
Ship captain Alfredo Calang Jnr, in charge of Filipino ship Tangerine 88, said he was waiting for NFA officers to accompany them as observers before they could proceed.
It should take two days to set up all 12 devices along the coastal waters surrounding fishing grounds with the deepest at 1,500 fathoms (about 5,700m).