Sabah collaborates with NGO for fish bomb-free initiative

An initiative called “Fish Bomb-Free Sabah” is being launched in collaboration between two non-governmental organizations, Blu Hope and Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia, and the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) to protect marine ecosystems in Sabah. The initiative aims to curb the illegal and destructive fishing technique known as fish bombing, while also creating job opportunities for coastal and island communities in Sabah.

Blu Hope founder Simon Christopher stated that Fish Bomb-Free Sabah is offering alternative livelihoods to the poorest and most marginalized communities, including the Bajau Laut ‘sea gypsies’, by creating a new plastic value chain through large plastic waste upcycling. He called it a groundbreaking and potentially game-changing solution that can be an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia has been using innovative hydrophone technology to detect fish bombing activities in real-time. The organization welcomes the support from the Ministry and believes it is a solid step towards a future where marine life can thrive without the threat of fish bombing.

Maffi minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan expressed the importance of the initiative and stated that supporting it aligns with their mission of promoting sustainable fisheries. The collaboration was triggered by the four-year ‘Community Action Fish Bomb-Free Seas Semporna, Sabah’ project by EU Malaysia in partnership with the Semporna Islands Project and WWF Malaysia. Representatives from the EU and German embassies also voiced their support for stopping fish bombing during the recent ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit.

German Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Peter Blomeyer mentioned in his video address during the summit that Germany is assessing the situation to see how they can contribute to these efforts. EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas stated in his video address during the summit’s ‘Sabah/Malaysia Plastic Neutral’ panel discussion that through their Semporna Plastic Neutral program, they aim to assist people in overcoming poverty so that they are not compelled to resort to environmentally destructive methods for survival.