Green Practices Guideline for Fisheries Sector

1.2 SCOPE AND APPLICATION The Green Practices Guideline for the Fisheries Sector in Malaysia aims to address the challenges posed by the processes, phases, and techniques in the sector that have historically boosted output but also had negative impacts on the environment. These guidelines were developed to overcome the social, financial, and policy barriers that hinder the implementation of green initiatives in the fisheries sector. By incorporating a broad spectrum of issues and involving both government and non-government stakeholders, these guidelines underscore the need for strong institutional integration and supporting policies. The scope of the Green Practices Guidelines encompasses various aspects of the fisheries sector, including resource management, fishing practices, aquaculture, processing, and distribution. It emphasises the need to align these activities with green practices to ensure environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of the sector. The implementation of green practices in the fisheries sector can be guided by six indicators: Materials, Waste, Water, Energy, Innovation, and Management. These indicators provide a framework for assessing and improving the environmental performance of fisheries operations in Malaysia. 1. MATERIALS: Green practices in the fisheries sector focus on the responsible use of materials, such as sustainable fishing gear, environmentally friendly aquaculture feeds, and packaging materials that are recyclable or biodegradable. 2. WASTE: Efforts should be made to minimise waste generation and implement proper waste management practices in fisheries operations. This can involve measures such as reducing packaging waste, promoting recycling and reuse, and implementing responsible disposal methods for fish processing by- products. 3. WATER: Sustainable water management is crucial in the fisheries sector. Practices should minimise water usage, optimise water quality in aquaculture systems, and reduce the discharge of pollutants into aquatic environments. 4. ENERGY: Green practices in the fisheries sector focus on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources where feasible. This can include adopting energy-efficient technologies in fish processing facilities, optimising energy consumption in aquaculture systems, and exploring the use of solar or wind power in fishing vessels. 5. INNOVATION: Embracing innovation is vital for adopting of green practices in the fisheries sector. This can involve the development and application of new technologies, such as remote monitoring systems to reduce illegal fishing practices, or the use of data analytics to optimise fishery management and resource conservation. 6. MANAGEMENT: Effective management practices are essential for the implementation of green initiatives in the fisheries sector. This includes adopting sustainable fishing practices, implementing traceability systems to ensure responsible sourcing, and promote stakeholder engagement and collaboration in decision-making processes. 12 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR FISHERIES SECTOR (AQUACULTURE)