Fisheries Minister Inaugurates Morela`s Clams Farm

Ambon, Dec 16 (Antara Maluku) - Indonesia`s Minister of Maritime and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti inaugurated a clams farming ecotourism area in Tihlepuai Bay in Morela village, Central Maluku district, on Friday.

The clams farm was established by Mina Lestari Kapahaha, a group of activists working for coastal conservation in Morela Village.

On the occasion, the minister opened an underwater photo exhibition.

"We should conserve clams which are on the brink of extinction. Not many areas have clams in their waters. It takes years to grow clams, as also fish. If not preserved, these could become extinct," the minister warned.

She reiterated President Joko Widodo`s commitment to preserve maritime resources as the country`s future, and urged the security and legal authorities to help the ministry in protecting national waters.

The president had issued a presidential decree in May to stop release of permits for foreign fishing vessels to operate in the country`s waters.

"I have been tasked to lead the task force 115 to handle all issues related to fisheries affairs, and this would be expanded to other maritime crimes in Indonesian waters," Susi disclosed.

"Under the decree, foreign vessels could only buy fish, or establish a processing plant, but it would be our people`s job to catch the fish."

After the inauguration, Susi dove under the Tihlepuai Bay waters to check the clams farm and view the underwater photo exhibition.