Sarawak delegation led by Dr Rundi (seventh left) during a visit to FRA in Tokyo, Japan.
TOKYO: Sarawak is strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sector by studying Japan's integrated and science-based research model through the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA).
Sarawak's Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said Japan is the best example in developing a strong, continuous fisheries research system that is in line with government, industry and academic policies.
“We want to understand how Japan has succeeded in building research capacity and maintaining continuity between academia, industry and government policy.
“This experience is very relevant for Sarawak to strengthen the research and training ecosystem in the aquaculture and marine resources sector,” he said.
He said this during a recent working visit to FRA in Tokyo which was also attended by Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Datuk Martin Ben and Director of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture Dominic Chunggat.
Quoting a report from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Dr Rundi said that FRA, which is under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is a national institution that coordinates fisheries research, development and education to ensure a stable supply of seafood and sustainable industrial development.
He explained that Japan currently has more than 500 full-time researchers in the field of fisheries nationwide, compared to Sarawak which is still at the early stage with only five active researchers.
The Sarawak delegation was also briefed on the Science-Based Fisheries Management model which emphasises the use of satellite data, ocean dynamic models and collaboration with fishing communities to predict ecosystem changes and patterns fish catch.
At the same time, Dr Rundi expressed Sarawak's interest in emulating Japan's approach in managing invasive fish species that threaten local biodiversity, including the issue of the introduction of Amazon fish into Sarawak's rivers which is now affecting native fish species.
He also added that the visit opened up opportunities for Sarawak to establish research collaborations and short-term training under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for local officials and researchers.
In addition, the delegation was also briefed on the National Fisheries University which operates under the FRA and is responsible for training students and professionals in the fields of marine science, seafood processing and aquaculture engineering.
Operating under the Fifth Medium Term Plan (2021–2025), FRA focuses on research and development of fisheries technology and sustainable aquaculture, human resource development in fisheries science and the rehabilitation of the Japanese fisheries industry through data-based and technology-based innovation.
