Department of Fisheries (Brunei)

The department strives for sustainable growth of the fishing industry's production through increased productivity and an export-focused strategy. Additionally, to boost productivity and the production of the fishing sector while also focusing on the export market by boosting both domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI). Fisheries stock assessment, planning, and management; conservation of fisheries resources; and management of fisheries resources are all tasks that fall under the purview of the department. creation of a sustainable and logical aquaculture sector; creation of seafood products; providing technical and support services to the fisheries industry; implementing a food safety and quality control program in the seafood processing business.^[3]

The nation has a 269 kilometres (167 mi) long coastline facing the South China Sea with a total land area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 sq mi). About 8,600 km2 make up the continental shelf, and 5,614 km2 make up the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Capture fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processing are some of the subsectors of the fisheries in Brunei. In 2021, there were 4,46 fish farmers and 2,195 fishermen, respectively. Fish available for consumption accounted for 41.20 kg/capita in 2019 and 0.32% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) was derived from fishing. Around 94% of the total production comes from marine capture fisheries, and about 6% comes from aquaculture. The productivity of inland catch fisheries is subpar.^[2]

The Act became commenced on 5 March 1973. The management and preservation of Brunei's fishery resources are outlined in this Act. The Act appoints a Director of Fisheries and a deputy director of Fisheries, both of whom have the authority to delegate the implementation of this Act to any person. Authorized Officers will have the following powers: stop, search, and detain any vessel or vehicle being utilized to catch or transport fish in violation of this Act; search and examine fishing gear; etc. The Act also establishes the following: the Minister's authority to make regulations pertaining to fishing and fisheries; the authority of licensing officers and the issue of licenses; offenses and penalties; etc.^[4]

Using the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to Brunei is defined, this Act increases the fisheries boundaries of Brunei to 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi). Any nation outside of Brunei and regions inside its fishery limits must be designated by the government of Brunei in order for fishing boats registered in that nation to be allowed to fish there. Except in the situations outlined in the Act, no other foreign fishing vessels are permitted to enter the Brunei fishery limits.^[5]

An order to codify the laws governing fisheries, fishing, fish processing, fish marketing, fish distribution, and to provide for matters related to or incidental to those laws. The Brunei Fishery Limits Act's Section 4 as well as the Fisheries Act are repealed. The administration and preservation of Brunei's fishery resources are outlined in this Order. To implement the directives of this Order, a director of fisheries and a deputy director of fisheries shall be appointed. To guarantee the best possible use of fishery resources, the Director must create fisheries plans. The Order specifies the criteria for applying for licenses.^[6]

In order to utilize fishing vessels, operate or develop marine cultural systems, operate or own fishing equipment, hold or arrange sporting fishing activities, etc., licenses are necessary. License terms, expiration dates, and cancellation are all covered in the text. The Order also establishes zones for lobster fishery, maritime reserves, and marine parks, along with limits on these regions. The Order also covers inland fisheries development and management, offenses and punishments, the authority of enforcement agents, jurisdiction, and proof, among other things.^[6]

In 1966, the current Fisheries Department was founded. Early the following year, it began operations with 15 local employees and 2 skilled expatriate officers. The Royal Customs and Excise building in the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, originally known as Brunei Town, served as the department's first home. When it was finished, the office was relocated to the Churchill Memorial Building. Along with the Fisheries Department, the Churchill Memorial Building also hosted a portion of the Museums Department, which featured the Winston Churchill Museum, and the Hassanal Bolkiah Aquarium with its freshwater and marine aquariums. The Royal Regalia Exhibition replaced the Hassanal Bolkiah Aquarium in 1991, and the Fisheries Department relocated to a rented space at the Athirah Building Complex. In March 1996, the division relocated to the brand-new Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources building.^[7]

During the first few years of existence, the Hassanal Bolkiah Aquarium and a freshwater fish farm at Kampong Tungku, in the Brunei–Muara District, received the majority of the department's staff and financial resources (about 60%). The artisanal catch fisheries received the majority of the remaining labor and financial resources. However, the government did acknowledge the value of marine fish resources, and in 1968 a brief survey was carried out in Brunei Waters. Despite the survey's rather constrained scope, it did reveal the existence of a moderate fish resource that can be developed, and more research was required to ascertain the resource's magnitude.^[7]

The structure of the department is as follows:^[8]

• Director of Fisheries
  • Aquatic Animal Health & Laboratory Services Centre
  • Deputy Director of Fisheries
    • Industry
    • Research
  • Senior Special Duties Officer
    • Policy & Planning
  • Deputy Director of Fisheries II
    • Belait, Tutong & Temburong District
    • Regulatory
    • Administration
    • Investment