By: Masayu Yulien Vinanda
Jakarta (29/10)-Many fisheries industry players responded positively to the WWF’s initiative forming a coalition of corporations practicing sustainable fisheries. The initiative is called “Seafood Savers.” At the initial consolidation meeting of “Seafood Savers” organized by WWF-Indonesia in Grand Hyatt Hotel, Central Jakarta, Saturday (29/10), those fisheries “actors” strengthen their commitment promoting sustainable fisheries.
One of them was Director of Mustika Minanusa, Inc., Mohamad Soeprapto who showed enthusiasm to the initiative. “I’m so glad WWF finally launch the initiative. I hope it will be carried out soon. As a result, the fisheries entrepreneur will have their product sustainably guaranteed. I’m also optimistic that market will hail this movement. Those bad players, or those who practice illegal and bad fishing will be automatically alienated from the market, said the shrimp producer from Tarakan, East Kalimantan.

The same reaction also came from Director of Chen Woo Fishery, Inc., Ferry Gunawan. “We’ve waited so long for this community group that support sustainability fisheries. There are many challenges out there. Through this group, I’m more positive and optimistic to step forward. Henceforth we can control sustainable fisheries,” the kerapu (grouper)  and tuna exporter said.
‘Seafood savers’ is a coalition of corporates who share the same vision to promote sustainable fishery industry. It covers major players in fishery industry for instance producers, suppliers, buyers, retailers, and financial institution.
Seafood savers is a breakthrough conducted by WWF to support sustainable fisheries.
“Previously we only focused on stopping illegal fisheries…We tried to fix the damage condition in the field. Some NGOs also use the same approach. In the end, we finally realized that numbers of “good players” or fishermen practicing sustainable fisheries are shrinking due to their competitors (those practicing illegal or destructive fisheries). ""good players"" then are converting to bad fishing practices. Then we change our approach by focusing at sustainable fisheries, exposing sustainable fishery practices more incessantly to inspire bad fishing players,” Dewi Satriani, Communication Manager of WWF-Indonesia Marine Program said.

Companies who are interested to become Seafood Savers members, will go through some stages. First, they will be evaluated and monitored by WWF-Indonesia team. Then if they met the qualifications and fulfilled all the indicators of sustainable fisheries, their commitment will be followed by MoU signing.
Through this forum, corporations will get information easily regarding sustainable fisheries. Furthermore, WWF will provide assistance to corporate aspire to achieve MSC/ASC certification. In the future, seafood savers will be expected to enhance sustainability stock of fishery products. It will lead to stable national food security.
“I expect seafood savers will promote sustainability of fishery products in Indonesia. Moreover, it will also encourage behavioural change of all fishery business players; producers, retailers, consumers, and financial institutions that give loan to fishery business players.  They will ultimately share the same understanding of sustainable fisheries,” Director of WWF-Indonesia Marine Program Wawan Ridwan said.