By: Wahyu Teguh Prawira

On July 31, 2015, the judges of the 2015 Eco-Fishing Tool Competition decided Galih Dandung Akbar, Romi Dwi Nanda, and Muhamad Ali Dofir as the first winner of the 2015 Eco-Fishing Tool Competition. The three students of Universitas Brawijaya made an innovative eco-friendly fishing tool called "Electro Shield System: Preservation of Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) Population by Optimizing the Role of Sustainable Fishing Gear to Reduce Bycatch in Indonesian Waters". This tool serves to optimize the role of fishing gear by adding electronic devices as a means of deterring sharks in fishing activities.

The activity with the theme "Innovation of Fishing Gear (API) for Sustainable Fisheries" was the first time it was held in Indonesia. This activity was organized together with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) inspired by the International Smart Gear Competition. As one of the solutions to the existing fishing problems, this competition provides an opportunity for academics, practitioners and the public to contribute to the creation of environmentally friendly API innovations.

The next step of this competition is with the winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place), KKP and WWF-Indonesia will collaborate with several parties in conducting further research and field application tests. It is hoped that the innovation can be an applicable solution in reducing bycatch (bycatch) of protected and endangered marine biota. (Read also: KKKP and WWF Hold Eco-Friendly Fishing Gear Competition)

There are at least 3 stages of selection that have been overseen by 9 judges who come from academics, government agencies, and NGOs in the marine and fisheries sector. In the first stage of assessment, out of 95 abstracts received, only 22 abstracts were passed and advanced with research proposals to be presented directly to the jury. Electro Shield System by Brawijaya students was named the best innovation work because it met four assessment criteria, namely 1) Contribution to fuel savings (efficient use of fuel); 2) The level of selectivity to the size of the target species; 3) Contribution to reducing by-catch; 4) Negative impact on the environment / aquatic habitat; 5) Risk of danger.

Second place was awarded to Adefryan Kharisma Y, from the Tanjung Pandan Fish Quarantine Center with the title of innovation "Modification of Basic Longline with the Use of Permanent Magnet Fishing Line to Reduce Shark Bycatch." The 3rd place was awarded to the team of Dian Pranoto and Arqi Eka Pradana from Brawijaya University with the title of innovation "A-Tool (Audiosonic Tool), Application Technology of Audiosonic due to Reduce Bycatch." The 1st Honorable Mention was given to Bagus Prasetio from Diponegoro University with the title of innovation "Designing Smart Portable Liftnet with Self-Electrical Source as a Solution for Environmentally Friendly Fishing Tools". Finally, the 2nd runner-up was awarded to Ahmad Hadi Prayogo from BPPI Semarang with the title of innovation "Trial of Lacuda V.2 (In-Water Dip Lamp) with Rubber Sleeve".

"Even though I didn't win, I am quite proud and confused at the same time, because this is an honor for us fishermen's children from a fairly far island to be able to participate and pass stage 1 assessment in this activity," said Idruss Badia as one of the competition participants. Idruss, who is a fisherman who also works as a student at one of the universities on Buru Island - Ambon, and 35 other participants are quite proud to contribute to this event, which was held for the first time in Indonesia.

As a form of support and effort in realizing responsible fishing practices in accordance with Permen No. 2/PERMEN-KP/2015 regarding the prohibition of some fishing gear that is not environmentally friendly. This regulation requires the replacement of environmentally unfriendly fishing gear with environmentally friendly fishing gear (API) and innovation of new fishing gear or development of APIs that are more environmentally friendly. The activity with the theme "Innovation of Fishing Gear (API) for Sustainable Fisheries" is one of the solutions to the existing problems. Providing opportunities for academics, practitioners and the public to contribute to the creation of API innovations is very welcome.