PERAN DINAS KELAUTAN DAN PERIKANAN PROVINSI SUMATERA BARAT DALAM PENANGGULANGAN TINDAK PIDANA PENANGKAPAN IKAN SECARA ILEGAL

Article 85 of Law Number 45 of 2009 concerning Fisheries regulates illegal fishing activities. The phenomenon of illegal fishing occurs in Air Bangis, West Sumatra. The objectives of this research are: (1) to examine the role of the Marine and Fisheries Service of West Sumatra Province in tackling illegal fishing crimes; and (2) to identify the obstacles faced by the Marine and Fisheries Service of West Sumatra Province in addressing illegal fishing crimes. This research employs a sociological legal research method. The data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Data collection techniques were conducted through document studies and interviews, while data analysis used qualitative methods. The results of this study conclude that: (1) the Marine and Fisheries Service of West Sumatra Province plays a role in combating illegal fishing through preventive and repressive efforts; and (2) the obstacles faced by the Marine and Fisheries Service of West Sumatra Province in addressing illegal fishing include internal factors such as budget efficiency, limitations in human resources and infrastructure, and complex regulations, as well as external factors including low public legal awareness and dependence on illegal fishing gear. Therefore, supervision of fisheries resources through the Marine and Fisheries Service, along with community participation, is necessary to tackle illegal fishing crimes.