(Bandar Seri Begawan, 11th) In conjunction with the 2025 World Ocean Day celebrations, the Department of Fisheries under Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), together with Poni Group, successfully deployed 100 artificial reef balls in the waters around Pelong-Pelongan Island to promote marine ecological protection and restoration.
This deployment initiative was officiated by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Manap. Four different sizes of artificial reef balls were placed in the sea at the site to create new artificial habitats and assist in restoring biodiversity in damaged marine areas.
Before departure, Department of Fisheries officer Mohamad Aziz briefed the guest of honor and attendees on the technical details and expected environmental outcomes of this deployment.
During the ceremony, students from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Maktab Sains) were specially invited to participate in an on-site exhibition and interactive Q&A activities, integrating education and entertainment to deepen youth understanding of the marine ecosystem.
This year’s World Ocean Day theme is “Protecting Everything We Rely On,” calling on society to recognize that the ocean is not just a resource, but also a vital life system supporting food, habitat, livelihoods, economy, and cultural identity.
The authorities pointed out that although Brunei regards the ocean as one of the pillars of its national economy and food security, its marine areas are also facing challenges such as plastic pollution, abandoned fishing gear, coral bleaching, coastal development, and climate change, placing unprecedented stress on the ecosystem.
To address the marine environmental crisis, the government has launched an artificial reef program to provide alternative habitats, restore ecology, promote species reproduction, and drive data-based ocean governance approaches, including:
collaborating with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) for continuous fishery resource monitoring; establishing a national fisheries database; and using artificial intelligence (AI) to assess coral health.
In addition, the conservation of endangered seaweed species has also been prioritized to maintain the integrity and stability of the marine ecosystem.
To build a resilient and inclusive blue economy, the Department of Fisheries is also working with financial institutions and industry partners to expand business opportunities in the ocean economy. Meanwhile, public education campaigns like coastal clean-ups and plastic-free initiatives will continue to raise environmental awareness and encourage everyone to share the responsibility of protecting our oceans together.
This deployment initiative was officiated by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Manap. Four different sizes of artificial reef balls were placed in the sea at the site to create new artificial habitats and assist in restoring biodiversity in damaged marine areas.
Before departure, Department of Fisheries officer Mohamad Aziz briefed the guest of honor and attendees on the technical details and expected environmental outcomes of this deployment.
During the ceremony, students from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Maktab Sains) were specially invited to participate in an on-site exhibition and interactive Q&A activities, integrating education and entertainment to deepen youth understanding of the marine ecosystem.
This year’s World Ocean Day theme is “Protecting Everything We Rely On,” calling on society to recognize that the ocean is not just a resource, but also a vital life system supporting food, habitat, livelihoods, economy, and cultural identity.
The authorities pointed out that although Brunei regards the ocean as one of the pillars of its national economy and food security, its marine areas are also facing challenges such as plastic pollution, abandoned fishing gear, coral bleaching, coastal development, and climate change, placing unprecedented stress on the ecosystem.
To address the marine environmental crisis, the government has launched an artificial reef program to provide alternative habitats, restore ecology, promote species reproduction, and drive data-based ocean governance approaches, including:
collaborating with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) for continuous fishery resource monitoring; establishing a national fisheries database; and using artificial intelligence (AI) to assess coral health.
In addition, the conservation of endangered seaweed species has also been prioritized to maintain the integrity and stability of the marine ecosystem.
To build a resilient and inclusive blue economy, the Department of Fisheries is also working with financial institutions and industry partners to expand business opportunities in the ocean economy. Meanwhile, public education campaigns like coastal clean-ups and plastic-free initiatives will continue to raise environmental awareness and encourage everyone to share the responsibility of protecting our oceans together.