c

In order to meet the needs of sustainable fisheries, the Buleleng Regency government accompanied by the Reef Check Indonesia Foundation conducted training on the initiation of improved reef fisheries practices. The activity held in Pacung Village, Buleleng Regency - Bali Province was attended by approximately 20 reef fishers from four groups. This training was fully supported by WWF-Indonesia Foundation through JARING-Nusantara which has been working with several local NGOs in several regions in Indonesia specifically for fisheries improvement programs.

The reef fish improvement initiative is a very appropriate activity as an effort to support regional marine conservation areas that are currently in the process of being designated. Fishermen will also get capacity building so that they can produce higher quality and selling value for their welfare. Of course, while still adhering to government regulations, especially related to fishing gear and zoning. These points were conveyed by Ir. Nyoman Sutrisna, MM, Head of the Buleleng Regency Fisheries and Marine Service (Diskanla) in his speech.

The training, which was conducted in early April 2015, aims to improve fishermen's understanding of the concept of sustainable fisheries. This includes the importance of preserving fisheries resources and marine ecosystems, increasing understanding of environmentally friendly grouper and snapper fishing, and sustainable livelihood or the sustainability of fishermen's livelihoods, through sustainable fishing practices and good post-catch handling. In this activity, a simulation of the zoning system and benefits was also carried out, which provided a more concrete understanding and was easily understood by the fishing community.

The fishermen in Pacung Village, represented by Mr. Gede Hindu Gosa, stated that they really welcomed the reef fish improvement initiation program. They admitted that this program provided a new understanding related to preserving coral fisheries resources and their ecosystems. The obstacle that has been happening in the fishing community of Pancung Village is the lack of network to the outside. So far, the fish caught by fishermen have only been marketed in the surrounding area either to collectors or neighbors with low selling prices. The fishermen who participated in this training also hoped that after they joined the JARING-Nusantara assisted group, they could improve the quality of fish and its management. With the aim of increasing the selling value and getting a steady market.

However, the reef fish improvement initiation program is a lengthy activity with the ultimate goal of identifying grouper and snapper species in Pacung Village to determine their stock status. This goal can be achieved through research and improvement of fish quality, and understanding of the sustainability of fish resources. The end result is expected to have an impact on improving the welfare of traditional reef fishers who can also pass on their marine resources to the next generation.

Author: Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra (Project Coordinator Reef Check Foundation Indonesia),iherwata@reefcheck.org

www.reefcheck.or.id

The Reef Check Indonesia Foundation is one of the NGOs working with WWF-Indonesia, through JARING-Nusantara, to help initiate improved fisheries practices in the Bali region and beyond.