By Novita Eka Syaputri
Based on the need for solutions to ensure the sustainability of Indonesia's fisheries industry which has been increasing in recent years, WWF-Indonesia through Seafood Savers in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries held an Open Discussion event at Aryaduta Hotel Medan yesterday (05/06). The Open Discussion, which took the theme "The Active Role of the Private Sector in Fulfilling Export and Domestic Market Requirements Related to Sustainable Fisheries", was the beginning of the Seafood Savers roadshow in three cities, Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya.

North Sumatra as one of the fisheries centers in Indonesia should be proud because there are already companies from Lake Toba that have received ASC certificates so that Indonesian aquaculture products are increasingly seen abroad. This makes Indonesia also increasingly challenged to produce sustainable fishery products to meet domestic and export needs. On the other hand, fishermen in North Sumatra have started to complain about the scarcity of fish, especially in the waters of the Malacca Strait. The problem of fish scarcity has also become an additional homework for fisheries industry players in North Sumatra.

Cooperation and coordination between fishermen, associations, fisheries entrepreneurs, local governments, academics and NGOs are needed to meet the challenges of a sustainable and sustainable fisheries industry. Especially for fisheries entrepreneurs, referring to the theme of the open discussion held, initiatives and concrete steps are needed to help clear up this pile of problems in fisheries in North Sumatra. Of course, with the full support of the local government, academics, and NGOs such as WWF-Indonesia.

The Head of Sub-Directorate of Export Development of Directorate General of P2HP, Sadarma Suhaim Saragih, in his remarks representing the Director General of P2HP also expressed his appreciation for WWF-Indonesia's Seafood Savers initiative which has encouraged actors in the Indonesian fisheries business sector to work together to realize a sustainable fisheries industry, assist each business actor in carrying out more sustainable fisheries activities, and give appreciation to fisheries business actors who have made progress in their improvement efforts.

The meeting and discussion attended by representatives from the government, fisheries business, company and fishermen associations, and other private parties is the first step to start improving Indonesia's fisheries activities and industry. It is hoped that in the future there will be other initiatives to mobilize efforts to improve fisheries in North Sumatra. We #choose2save!