Practices of Illegal Fishing in Pemalang Region: A Policy Analysis

Abstract

The use of unsustainable fishing gear has resulted in the decline of fish resources and threatens the sustainability of fish resources. This can cause harm to the state and the interests of the fishermen themselves. Although various policies governing fishing gear are already in place, unsustainable fishing practices remain. This, of course, has resulted in overfishing and causing environmental damage. Using the case of fishing practices in Pemalang Region, this study found that fishing gears used by fishermen are prohibited tools because they have negative impacts on the environment. Some fishing gear is quite popular used by fishermen in Pemalang Region are stun, fishing nets, fishing rods and poison. Unfortunately, the use of electric current tool (stun) is found to be more dominant than fishing nets and fishing rods. Similarly, it has developed among fishermen to use toxic methods in fishing. This phenomenon encourages researchers to formulate an effective public policy to control and minimize illegal fishing practices.