Fisheries in Sulu Sulawesi

Important source of food and income threatened

Sabah produces approximately 15% of Malaysia’s fish catch and the SSME areas of Sabah contribute approximately 70% of Sabah’s marine fisheries landings annually.  Fisheries production in Sabah can be classified as marine capture fisheries and aquaculture.  The majority of Sabah’s fishers are small-scale fishermen maintaining a subsistence lifestyle.  However, the majority of Sabah’s fisheries landings come from large- and medium-scale trawlers and purse-seines.  Small pelagic fish such as mackerel, prawn, squid and other fin-fish comprise the bulk of commercial fish landings.  An astonishing 200-300 species of fish and invertebrates are landed regularly in Sabah’s markets.  There is increasing evidence that inshore fisheries throughout Sabah, as in many other areas, are in decline.

Aquaculture is a growing industry in the SSME portion of Sabah.  Prawns, mussels, oysters, seaweed and reef fish are increasingly being raised in the sea and coastal areas.  Aquaculture provides opportunities as well as threats to conservation and sustainability.