By: Annisa Ruzuar

In conjunction with the 2014 World Coral Reef Conference in Manado, North Sulawesi, today (14/5), the Seafood Savers Initiative launched its official website seafoodsavers.org. The website will serve as a portal for information on the various fisheries improvement activities conducted under the Seafood Savers initiative, as well as information on companies committed to sustainable fisheries.

Improving fisheries according to the principles of sustainability is the right step to deal with fisheries problems in Indonesia. Capture fisheries face the problem of reduced fish stocks so that companies need to spend more on production costs for their activities. Aquaculture companies are also faced with the problem of declining pond quality due to environmentally unfriendly practices. Without a shift towards sustainable fisheries, it is difficult for Indonesian fisheries companies to maintain their business.

Sustainable fisheries require fishing and aquaculture activities that take into account the ability of populations to regenerate and the carrying capacity of the land used for fishing activities. A number of sustainability standards such as those implemented by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) can serve as guidelines for sustainable fisheries.

In the process of improvement, companies often need assistance. Through the Seafood Savers initiative, WWF-Indonesia fills this need by providing technical assistance and opening networks to stakeholders both at the national and international levels. In addition to assistance, Seafood Savers will also publicize fisheries improvements made by its members, one of which is through the website.

"Seafood Savers wants to give recognition to fisheries involved in the Fisheries Improvement Program (FIP) and Aquaculture Improvement Program (AIP), even though they have not obtained MSC or ASC certificates," explained Margareth Meutia, Coordinator of WWF-Indonesia's Seafood Savers Initiative. "As Seafood Savers members, companies have the right to publicize their involvement. In turn, the company's name will be included in various WWF-Indonesia and Seafood Savers media publications with national and international reach," she continued.

The company's progress in making improvements can be monitored on the website. Related documents that can be accessed by the public are also available. This openness of information ensures the credibility of the process assisted by Seafood Savers. Companies interested in becoming Seafood Savers members can view the terms and mechanisms of membership on the Seafood Savers website, or visit the Seafood Savers booth at the Coral Reef Exhibition, which takes place on May 14-16, 2014 at the Manado Convention Center. At the booth, non-corporate visitors can also obtain information on sustainable fisheries and how consumers can contribute to preserving Indonesia's marine resources.
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