According to Chief Obak er a Iyebukel Lorenzo Ngiramolau, the fishermen are employees of George Kebekol, and were destined to fish for pelagic fish, particularly yellow fin. Further, he said the fishermen were setting buoys beyond the edges of the reefs to attract pelagic fish.
Ngiramolau said that he and another chief, Rimirch Hayes Ngiratreked, received a report that the fishermen have entered into Ngarchelong’s territorial waters without proper notice.
Ngarchelong traditional chiefs established in the December 2007 a strict traditional moratorium – a Bul – that prohibits non-citizens of the state from fishing in Ngarchelong’s territorial waters. Enforcement of the Bul, since its implementation, has resulted in more than two fines charged to individuals and companies who have fished in Ngarchelong’s waters without proper authorization.
Ngiramolau and Ngiratreked acted on the report and found the bangka in Dnger.
“The fishermen were outside of the reef, but were still within Ngarchelong’s territorial waters,” Ngiramolau said. “They had no knowledge of the Bul and answered our questions sincerely.”
Ngiramolau said that the fishermen were cooperative and did not resist being escorted to Ollei Port where their employer was contacted and informed.
Ngiramolau said that through discussions a fine of $100 was levied against the fishermen for violating as mandated by an established state statute, however, fines for violation of the Bul were waived.
Moreover, Ngiramolau said that due to the fishermen’s lack of knowledge of the Bul as well as the exact boundaries of the state’s waters, and their employer’s acknowledgement that the Bul was violated a decision was made to waive any traditional fines against them.
The employer paid the $100 fine.
The Bul governs all sections of the Northern Reefs within Ngarchelong State’s boundaries.
“The implementation of the Bul is not a discriminatory act. It is our attempt to manage, conserve, and protect our resources from exploitation,” Ngiramolau said. “The Bul will continue indefinitely until such time that a better management plan or strategy is implemented. Until then, we ask everyone to practice courtesy and respect and abide by the Bul.”
Everyone is further asked the contact Ngarchelong State Office at 488-2871 or 855-2967 for further information about the Bul.
