A DISPUTE over the conditions of seafood and fish catches off the southern coast of Penang island, which is undergoing a mega reclamation, has erupted between state agency Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) and environmental group Pertubuhan Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (Jedi).
Just days after PIC issued a statement disputing accounts of marine food catches having considerably depleted off the island since works began for the controversial man-made Silicon Island, Jedi has insisted that its engagement with inshore fishermen in the area has revealed a different picture altogether.
"We are deeply concerned about the recent claim by PIC regarding the Silicon Island's social impact management plan (SIMP),” said its coordinator Andrew Han.
“PIC has asserted that the high registration rate among affected fishermen for SIMP by affected coastal fisherfolk indicates support for the project
“However, Jedi's conversations and interactions with the coastal fishermen affected by the project paint a different picture.”
Since the commencement of the reclamation in September 2023, a significant decline in catch rates, especially for high-value shrimp, has been reported by the fisherfolk.
"Many fishermen, previously against the reclamation, now face a dilemma – to continue protesting the ongoing reclamation and suffer from low catch rates, or reluctantly register for the SIMP ex-gratia payments before the application window closes permanently," he asserted in a statement.
With the dwindling catches overshadowing the preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, many have chosen the latter, Han claimed.
"This increase in SIMP registrations is not an endorsement of the project but a reflection of the dire impact the reclamation is having on the fisherfolk's livelihoods.”
Furthermore, PIC's claim of a comprehensive survey showing no impact on fisherfolk's catch is troubling, especially given their failure to provide any supporting data, he added.
“This lack of transparency is starkly contrasted by the data released by the small fishing unit of Sungai Batu," said Han.
Their data shows a significant decline in shrimp catches for January this year compared to the same month in the previous year, coinciding with the start of the reclamation project:
The local Sungai Batu fishermen’s unit has reported its observation that the average shrimp catch was 191.22kg in January 2021, 284.54kg in January 2022, and 286.04kg in January 2023.
However, after works began the harvest dropped to 120.91kg in January 2024, the unit reported.
In light of these findings, Jedi has urged the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Environment to conduct an immediate investigation into the reported low shrimp catches by the unit and other affected fisherfolk.
The activist group expressed solidarity with the remaining fisherfolk who oppose the ongoing reclamation works for Silicon Island.
“We commit to remaining vigilant and critical throughout the entire process, monitoring and observing any environmental changes and impacts,” said Han. – The Vibes, March 20, 2024
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