Tuaran: On the shores of Tuaran, where gentle waves kiss the beach, 46-year-old Sulaiman Amat, a traditional fisherman from Kampung Laya-Laya, toils each day to harvest the sea’s bounty and provide for his family. The world along Sabah’s west coast, once so familiar to him since childhood, is changing. The sea that had long been generous to this B40 fisherman now feels less forgiving. Today, Sulaiman struggles to keep food on the table for his wife and their three children, aged eight, 13, and 15.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tuaran, located 34 kilometers north of Kota Kinabalu, is renowned for its rich marine resources. Yet, in recent years, coastal fishermen’s incomes have been severely affected as catches continue to dwindle. This situation forces traditional fishermen like Sulaiman to sail further offshore, posing greater challenges, especially for those with limited fishing equipment. To boost his catch, Sulaiman even brings along his eldest son during school holidays.
The decline of marine resources is not unique to Sabah’s waters but is a global issue haunting fishing communities worldwide. Data from the Malaysian Fisheries Department shows a consistent decline in national seafood landings, with figures dropping annually from 1.38 million metric tonnes in 2020 to 1.27 million tonnes in 2023. Sabah, however, has experienced fluctuating landings, peaking at 230,171 metric tonnes in 2022 before falling again the following year.
Sabah holds unmatched blue economy potential, with its fisheries sector capable of yielding 491,000 metric tonnes of seafood worth RM3.5 billion annually, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The Sabah government has introduced several initiatives to ensure sustainable marine resources while providing lifelines to fishermen and local communities like Sulaiman.
One such initiative is the Sabah Cockle Farm Project, which introduces modern aquaculture methods and creates opportunities for traditional fishermen to engage in systematic and sustainable cockle farming. By cultivating cockles under controlled conditions, pressure on wild stocks is reduced, while producing higher-quality cockles. This initiative aims to create a win-win situation for local communities while safeguarding marine resources.
Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) Chief Executive Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan explained that conventional overharvesting of wild cockles could push species like the blood cockle towards extinction. The project involves farming cockles without relying on wild stocks, thus ensuring sustainability. The cockle farm concept has seen success in other Malaysian states, and pilot projects in Tuaran and Beluran are underway.
Participants, particularly those from the B40 group, will be selected through relevant agencies and provided with training in cockle farming techniques and business management. Hashim noted that cockle farming requires high physical endurance and persistence, similar to seaweed cultivation. However, cockles do not need additional feed, and farmers need to guard against theft and monitor threats like red tide.
Borneo’s waters are home to unique marine life, including cockles. Dr. Hadzley Harith, Head of the Mollusc Unit at the Pulau Sayak Fisheries Research Institute, emphasized the importance of using local species adapted to Sabah’s conditions. The discovery of local cockle species in Tawau has allowed for successful breeding in Tuaran using hatchery technology.
The Sabah Cockle Farm project promises shorter harvest periods, with cockles reaching market size in just six months, thanks to technological advancements. These breakthroughs are expected to lead to faster yields and greater opportunities for farmers to earn a sustainable livelihood.
Tuaran is poised to become a key hub for cockle seed production in Sabah, alongside other districts with potential for development. The project’s success is expected to generate significant economic returns and support the downstream cockle industry in Sabah.
Sabah Fisheries Department Director Dr. Shuhadah Mustapha highlighted Tuaran’s suitability as the pilot site due to its high plankton density. The convergence of several currents in the area supports plankton growth, making it ideal for shellfish species.
At the project’s launch, Chief Minister Hajiji expressed his commitment to helping local communities benefit from socioeconomic improvements. The state’s cockle industry is projected to generate significant annual revenue, with the project opening doors of opportunity for locals to embrace a sustainable future.