TEMPO.CO, Ternate - The North Maluku administration is set to host three fishing competitions. North Maluku Marine and Fishery Department head Buyung Rajilun said that last year, around 4,000 people signed up for the competition.
"Last year in Morotai, over 4,000 people signed up, but the organizing committee only approved 116 participants both local and foreign due to limited facilities. But it attracted thousands of tourists, a drastic increase thanks to the competition," Buyung said.
North Maluku will now host fishing competitions in three different districts. A fishing competition will be held in East Halmahera on May 18 until May 20, 2017, one in Morotai Island on July 27 until July 29, 2017, and a competition called the Widi International Fishing Tournament (WIFT) scheduled for October 25 until October 29, 2017, in South Halmahera.
The ultimate fishing competition WIFT that offers the Presidents Cup will be held on Widi Island. The island is famous for its vast white sand.
"Widi Island is very worthy of being named an international fishing spot," Buyung said.
The waters surrounding Widi Island is home to most sought-after fish, such as trevally (locally known as Bobara), due to its natural coral reefs. The event organizers will provide thousands of vessels to participants.
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