Kupang fisherman forced from sea

The Jakarta Post

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Hundreds of fishermen in Kupang have been forced to stop fishing over the last few days by waves up to two meters high.

"We're afraid of accidents at sea if we force ourselves to go out in high waves," Mes Fanggi, one of the fishermen at Oesapa village in Kelapalima district, Kupang, said Tuesday.

Fanggi said the bad weather had not yet caused any accidents, but fishermen were being cautious.

Most fishing boats have stayed back in safe havens in Kelapalima, Namosain and Kupang bay, while others have moored at nearby Semau island. "This has been to prevent the boats from being smashed by high waves," Fanggi said.

The suspension of fishing has raised the price of fresh fish by up to 300 percent at Kupang's Oeba market.

The price of sardines, for example, has risen to Rp 10,000 (US$1.10) per two ounces, up from only Rp 2,500 before. -- JP