Labuan: Hong Kong team Blue Ocean 1 emerged as the champion of the Labuan International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament with a total catch of 66.12 kilogrammes (kg), taking home RM45,000 in prize money.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah-based team Borneo Sea Master finished second with 61.72kg, followed by Malaysia's Victoria Marlin 3 in third place with 58.94kg. Another Malaysian team, P.O.V Angler, came in fourth with a haul of 50.72kg. In the individual category, Malaysian angler Jamalusiad Abu Noh landed a 76.6kg black marlin to top the marlin category, earning RM3,000.

Among the species landed were dogtooth tuna, trevally, grouper, ruby snapper, amberjack, sickle pomfret, yellowfin tuna, emperor fish, wahoo, and barracuda, underscoring the rich marine biodiversity in Labuan waters. Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail said the tournament attracted 225 anglers from across Malaysia, as well as participants from Hong Kong, Brunei, and Singapore.

He said the tournament, which was flagged off on April 28 and concluded today, saw anglers venturing as far as waters off the Spratly Islands in pursuit of deep-sea catches. 'The Labuan International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament not only promotes sustainable sport fishing practices but also boosts the local economy through increased tourist arrivals, hotel occupancy, and related maritime activities,' he said.

Rithuan stated that the corporation remains committed to enhancing the tournament's profile as part of efforts to position Labuan as an international fishing hub. The tournament also emphasised responsible fishing practices, with selected categories adopting a catch-and-release approach to preserve marine ecosystems.