By: Achmad Mustofa (National Capture Fisheries Coordinator)

Becoming a member of Seafood Savers last year, PT Sekar Laut Tbk is gradually undergoing a Fisheries Improvement Program (FIP). Through a pilot project mechanism, PT Sekar Laut selected two fishermen groups in Kotabaru district, South Kalimantan, to initiate shrimp fisheries FIP activities in the region. These two groups were selected on the recommendation of the Kotabaru District Fisheries Office Field Extension Officers and have a positive track record in implementing responsible shrimp fishing practices. The two groups are KUB Tunas Harapan located in Snaken, Klumpang Tengah and KUB Usaha Bersama in Pulau Laut Tengah.

PT Sekar Laut, Intersnack Procurement and WWF-Indonesia together with the Field Extension Officer (PPL) of the Kotabaru Fisheries Service on February 5, 2018 met with the Joint Business Group. This visit was a follow-up to the previous activity, which was to identify and collect baseline fisheries practices from shrimp fishing groups using the BMP (Better Management Practice) standard for Captured Shrimp Commodities issued by the WWF-Indonesia Foundation. At this meeting, Abdullah Habibi from WWF-Indonesia said, "It can be seen that the recording of catches for the first two months has been done well by the group. The data needed to see the size and type of catch species composition needed for management is already available, it is just a matter of continuing and improving the recording process". Some comments and inputs were also noted to facilitate the process of recording shrimp and bycatch species at a later stage.

After meeting with the fishermen, the group then met with the Head of the Kotabaru Regency Fisheries Office to provide an update on group selection and future follow-up plans. PT Sekar Laut explained that the initial step of group selection was intended to provide a clear target for the implementation of the fisheries improvement program. The hope is that when other groups see the benefits gained by the two groups, they will automatically participate in this FIP. PT Sekar Laut also explained its plans to expand its supply chain, specifically to groups committed to responsible fisheries practices.

The Fisheries Service welcomed this initiative and fully supported it. He further advised that communication with PPLs and the agency can be maintained so that the implementation of the program runs smoothly. The Head of the Fisheries Service further said, "We support sustainable fisheries practices like this, including persuasive efforts in the form of purchasing support from the private sector so that users of modified minitrawls can see the benefits and want to change to use fishing gear that is more environmentally friendly and complies with regulations."

In an effort to increase FIP coverage, in addition to Tunas Harapan KUB and Usaha Bersama KUB, there will be other groups prepared to be included in the scheme. In the future, this FIP activity will coordinate with 26 Kotabaru District field extension officers to map the location of shrimp fishing sites to obtain input on potential groups to be assisted throughout the district.