High waves, 400 fish traps collapse in Kotabaru

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - As many as 400 fish traps structure (locally known as bagan) installed on the sea in Kotabaru District, South Kalimantan, waters recently collapsed due to high winds and high waves.

"Extreme weather has been happening since July with high winds and high waves, 400 bagans collapsed," said Chairman of the Fishermen's Fisheries Control Group (Pokwasmas) Kotabaru Abdul Mulud here Saturday.

Secretary of Pokwasmas Mulyadi added that in addition to 400 collapsed bagans, high waves and strong winds also caused about 100 bagans now in sloping conditions.

"The structure in sloping conditions can still be repaired, but the collapsed one must be rebuilt," he added.

The number of fishing trap structure in Gedambaan and Sarangtiung villages, North Pulaulaut, is estimated to be 800, but with the collapse of 400 and tilted about 100 then the leftover that can be operated to catch fish only a small.

A fisherman in Sarangtiung, Abah Fadiel, said due to the collapse of their bagans the fishermen are losing up to tens of millions of rupiah per person.

"To build one bagan will cost about Rp50 million," he said.

Reducing the cost of building the new bagan, continued Abah Fadiel, some fishermen working together to pull out what left such as pole to the coast so as not to sink to the seabed.

The price of the main pole, which is more than 15 meters high, reaches millions of rupiah.

Most fishermen in Kotabaru, especially those who use bagan, choose to rest waiting for the wave to shade or ramps.

Besides their bagan are broken can not be operated, they are afraid to go to sea because the current wave is quite dangerous for fishermen.

Some fishermen seek other jobs on the mainland, and others are forced to use savings for daily living expenses and their children's school fees.

Head of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries AgencyMuchran said the agency has so far not received reports of the collapse of hundreds of bagan owned by Gedambaan and Sarangtiung fishermen.