(Bandar Seri Begawan, 4th) The Brunei Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Maritime and Port Authority, and Poni Group Ltd., held the 2026 Fishermen’s Festival on July 2 at the Kuala Belait Maritime and Port Authority Building.
This celebration is one of the supporting events for the Brunei Marine Sustainability Study and Conference, held from May to June 2026, with the theme: “Sustainable Oceans: Innovation, Governance, and Resilience—Co-creating a Blue Future.”
Acting Director of Fisheries, Wanidawatitamart, emphasized in her welcoming speech that continuous cooperation between government agencies and the fishing community is crucial for ensuring the proper protection of national fishery resources to benefit future generations.
Meanwhile, Brunei Maritime and Port Authority Chief Executive Officer, Zil Husam Abdul Rahman, also stressed the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations and adopting proper safety measures during fishing operations.
This event brought together local fishermen and key stakeholders in the fisheries sector, aiming to acknowledge and appreciate the long-term contributions fishermen have made to the development and growth of Brunei's fisheries.
The event also aims to enhance the fisheries community’s awareness of the importance of complying with existing fisheries laws and regulations, including the enforcement of minimum size requirements for lobsters and crabs, as well as addressing issues related to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear.
The relevant authorities pointed out that abandoned fishing gear poses a significant threat to the sustainability of fishery resources and marine ecosystems, and that enhanced management and law enforcement are therefore essential.
To achieve these objectives, a series of briefings on fisheries management and enforcement were held during the event, with fisheries department representatives explaining the implementation of minimum catch size regulations for lobsters and crabs to further enhance compliance awareness among the fisheries community.
Acting Director of Fisheries, Wanidawatitamart, emphasized in her welcoming speech that continuous cooperation between government agencies and the fishing community is crucial for ensuring the proper protection of national fishery resources to benefit future generations.
Meanwhile, Brunei Maritime and Port Authority Chief Executive Officer, Zil Husam Abdul Rahman, also stressed the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations and adopting proper safety measures during fishing operations.
This event brought together local fishermen and key stakeholders in the fisheries sector, aiming to acknowledge and appreciate the long-term contributions fishermen have made to the development and growth of Brunei's fisheries.
The event also aims to enhance the fisheries community’s awareness of the importance of complying with existing fisheries laws and regulations, including the enforcement of minimum size requirements for lobsters and crabs, as well as addressing issues related to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear.
The relevant authorities pointed out that abandoned fishing gear poses a significant threat to the sustainability of fishery resources and marine ecosystems, and that enhanced management and law enforcement are therefore essential.
To achieve these objectives, a series of briefings on fisheries management and enforcement were held during the event, with fisheries department representatives explaining the implementation of minimum catch size regulations for lobsters and crabs to further enhance compliance awareness among the fisheries community.