In addressing the issues of pollution and the destruction of marine life habitats, the Government through the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has taken measures to protect coral life and habitats through the setting up of marine conservation zones. Meanwhile, in order to further preserve marine life, efforts to raise public awareness on such issues will continue to be made. as there have been irresponsible acts of polluting the marine environment such as disposing of and leaving fishing nets and disused fishing equipment and using explosives or poison to catch fish or other marine life. This matter was highlighted by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources in the morning during the launch of Brunei's celebration of World Ocean Day 2012. The function took place at the Meragang Beach, Muara.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya in his speech said that response to such acts, a number of activities are being introduced in which the authorities, with the help of divers in the country, work to remove fishing nets and other equipment that are entangled or stuck in the coral reefs, alongside awareness campaigns for fishermen. The move is meant to restore and protect marine and coral life in the country, and to subsequently raise productivity in fisheries. Meanwhile, legal provisions for the establishment of marine conservation zones continue to be prepared with the appointment of legal experts in the field. Yang Berhormat further said that, in efforts to instill a sense of caring and responsibility amongst the public towards preserving marine life, the Fisheries Department has begun the "Reef Check Eco Diver Training programme for Youths, which uses "Reef Check's Scientific Method" to get youths involved in monitoring marine and coral life.
In conjunction with the World Ocean Day 2012 celebration this morning, a book entitled "Field Guide to Reef-Building Corals of Brunei Darussalam" was launched, featuring ways to identify the various types of coral, of which 400 have been identified in Brunei waters. The book would serve as a reference source for researchers as they continue to study areas of "marine biodiversity" that have yet to be explored in the waters of Brunei Darussalam. Yang Berhormat took the opportunity to join some students in releasing turtles back to the sea.
The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources officially opened the Marin Biodiversity Centre Building in Meragang. The Centre Building is yet another initiative of the Fisheries Department in promoting public awareness on the preservation and management of marine biodiversity in the country; providing rehabilitation and recovery treatment for marine life caught or found; and in carrying out research and learning programmes. The centre holds its Open Day for the public until Thursday, from 8 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon.