REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TERNATE -- The limited number of patrol boats and personnel hamper North Maluku police in stopping illegal fishing in the province's waters, local Police chief Brigadier General Sobri Effendi Surya said here on Saturday.

"We are often unable to catch illegal fishermen, especially those from neighboring countries such as the Philippines and Thailand," Sobri said.

In responding to this issue, he said local police had asked for the assistance of military personnel to monitor locations where illegal fishing boats gather, suh as in Halmahera and Morotai islands.

Meanwhile, Head of Morotai Islands district Rusli Sibua called on local residents to help police by providing information on suspicious activities in waters near their area.

According to media reports, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry estimated that illegal fishing cost Indonesia Rp30 trillion (approximately US$3.11 billion) in annual losses.

However, the People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice (KIARA) pointed out that the real figure is more than Rp50 trillion (US$5.2 billion).

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