BSB, Seoul boost fisheries ties

The government is expected to implement joint projects in the fisheries sector with Korea following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday.

The Department of Fisheries, which signed the agreement and represented Brunei’s Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), did not provide specific details as to what type of joint projects will be implemented, but in a statement said the agreement was signed in a bid to “strengthen technical cooperation and research in the field of fisheries”.

According to the statement, the MoU will see the two governments implementing “joint-projects of interest to the participants”.

In the area of capture fisheries – which involves capturing wild fish and shellfish – both governments will carry out assessments on responsible fishing technology and resource.

The MoU will also see joint-aquaculture research and development of new species, feeds and systems based on aquaculture best practices as well as best hatchery system and technology.

The two governments will also work on marine plankton and algae.

Marine plankton is a diverse group of organisms found in water columns which cannot swim against a current.

They are a critical source of food to many large aquatic organisms, including fish.

Brunei and Korea, through the departments and agencies that are directly involved in the agreement, will organise trainings, workshop and seminars related to fisheries development including aquaculture development, study visits, work attachment and exchange programmes.