Chinese Vessel Allegedly Involved in Illegal Fishing in North Natuna

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Think tank Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI) on Monday reported alleged illegal fishing activities by the Lu Rong Yuan Yu 701, a fishing vessel flying the Chinese flag, in Indonesia’s North Natuna waters on July 22. 

The organization reported that, based on AIS tracking, the vessel was sailing through Malacca Strait before its fishing destination on the North Natuna Sea. 

According to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization’s (SPRFMO) database, the Lu Rong Yuan Yu 701 is authorized to fish on the high seas, particularly in the area that falls under the management of SPRFMO.

“The vessel’s speed during the longline setting is predicted around 10 – 11,5 knots which are in accordance with the common speed pattern of the longline fishing vessel during the setting period,” the IOJI mentioned in its report TEMPO obtained on July 27.

The allegations of illegal fishing are strengthened by the proceedings signaling the ship had been conducting fishing activities for several hours such as slowing its speed to an average of 6 knots to pick up its fishing equipment that was dropped earlier along the same path. 

The Lu Rong Yuan Yu 701 is registered to be 1,496 gross tons and is owned by a fishing firm based in Shandong, China. According to the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, the fishing vessel left Indonesian waters on July 24. 

Apart from the Chinese fishing vessel, the NGO’s ESA Sentinel-2 satellite recorded 54 vessels believed to be fishing illegally on July 21 in Indonesia’s North Natuna area. They also announced that their findings had been handed over to the Indonesian government. 

Read: Fisheries Ministry Detains 5 Foreign Fishing Boats in Natuna

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA

Editorial note: A misinterpretation in the third paragraph has been rectified.