The Falintil-Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), through its Naval Component, currently lacks the equipment capacity to combat illegal fishing activities along the south coast.
Commander of the Naval Component, Commodore Higino das Neves, said that Timor-Leste has various marine resources, but the naval force still lacks the capacity to protect these resources.
“Our naval force currently lacks the equipment capacity to combat illegal fishing activities, particularly along the south coast, in order to protect our marine resources,” he said.
He said that on the north coast, the naval force has sufficient human resources and equipment capacity because it works together with the Maritime Police Unit (UPM).
“On the south coast, we have sufficient human resources, but we do not have the equipment capacity to combat illegal fishing,” Commodore Neves said at JL World, Dili.
In addition, he said that the naval force has already submitted a report to the government, and the government has a plan to purchase a large vessel for the naval force to conduct patrols along the south coast.
On the other hand, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), Marcos da Cruz, said that according to available data, Timor-Leste has an estimated 718,900 tonnes of fish resources in its waters.
“Of this potential, we have only exploited two percent (2%), while according to the data we have, we lose almost 20% to illegal fishing,” the Minister said.
He said that the fisheries sector needs to be developed, and therefore the naval force must conduct maximum patrols to combat illegal fishing activities and protect marine resources.
“We know that they currently face equipment shortages, but we believe that with sufficient resources they can combat illegal fishing and protect our marine resources,” he said.
In addition, he said that MAPPF has already formed a team with the Ministry of Interior, Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), the naval force and other relevant ministries to conduct operations to prevent illegal activities.
