By: Idham Malik / Aquaculture Officer - Secretary of JARING-Nusantara

There are still many capture fisheries and aquaculture practices that are not environmentally friendly that arouse the concerns of 29 fisheries and marine NGOs that are members of JARING-Nusantara. The use of bombs and poisons, fishing at sizes that are not yet suitable for fishing and aquaculture practices that pollute the environment and destroy critical habitats threaten the wealth of Indonesia's marine resources.

In the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (Kepmen KP) No. 45 of 2011 concerning the status of fisheries in 11 Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPP-RI), it is explained that almost all of the Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPP-RI) have the status of over-exploited and fully-exploited for reef fish commodities.

In the annual meeting held in Makassar on May 24-26, 2016, JARING-Nusantara members made a joint agreement to fight for the eradication of IUU Fishing, improvement of fishing and aquaculture practices that are environmentally sound, responsible and socially just, and the development of environmentally friendly fishery product businesses.

JARING-Nusantara members are currently assisting groups and communities of fisheries communities to jointly practice good fishing and aquaculture practices that do not pollute the coastal and marine environment, comply with the law, apply the principles of social justice, and ensure the survival of the fish species being worked on.The fishermen and cultivators assisted by JARING-Nusantara members use good fisheries practice guidelines, namely Better Management Practices (BMPs) are the result of long discussions with fisheries stakeholders in Indonesia, and refer to the standards of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which are global certifications in sustainable fisheries. BMPs that have been produced include Tuna Fishery BMPs, Lobster Fishery BMPs, Mangrove Crab Fishery BMPs, Patin Cultivation BMPs, Milkfish Cultivation BMPs, Tiger and Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation BMPs, and Seaweed Cultivation BMPs.

JARING-Nusantara has also developed a work plan that includes capacity building and collaboration with other partners. Through coordination and communication with fellow members spread throughout Indonesia, JARING-Nusantara utilizes this forum to find the best solutions to some of the obstacles encountered in the field.

Contact person : Idham Malik / imalik@wwf.id