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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is among the main exporters of fresh fish produce in Malaysia, contributing RM2.03 billion or about 15.7 per cent annually to the State GDP (gross domestic product).Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the figure is in line with the state fisheries sector which has achieved 100 per cent self-sufficiency, noting the amount of excess produce available for export peaked 25,477 metric tonnes as of October, this year. However, he noted the State Government is outlining long-term strategies to ensure security of fish stocks, which include the sustainable management of the State’s marine resources through a zoning system for fish catches according to sizes of fishing vessels. “We will also control the quantity and quality of fish produce for domestic supplies and export through the issuance of import permits and export. As of November 2021, there are 75 exporters and importers registered with the State Fisheries Department,” said Jeffrey, who is also State Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.  Jeffrey was responding to questions from Sindumin Assemblyman (Independent) Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob on government efforts to ensure food security at the State Legislative Assembly. In addition, he also said the State Fisheries Department also increased the number of artificial reefs to protect fish habitats, reproduction and increase the population of fish stocks, with 139 artificial reefs installed at nine locations in waters across the State this year.  “Programmes to conserve marine ecosystem through coral replanting activities is also being carried out at the moment, with three companies actively propagating corals,” he said.