Sustainable fisheries are here to ensure fish populations remain for the next generation. In fact, overfishing and illegal fishing practices in Indonesia often occur. Therefore, sustainable fisheries practices continue to be intensified to save fisheries resources in Indonesia.

When it comes to sustainable fisheries practices, who actually benefits?

Sustainable fisheries as an effort to protect natural resources, in fact, does not become an obstacle to consuming seafood but can be seen as a way to support consumer needs in obtaining nutrient-rich fish in a sustainable manner. On the other hand, sustainable fisheries practices are seen as not only protecting nature and natural resources but can also support the sustainability of businesses and businesses of those engaged in this field.

Many species of fish and marine life are declining due to overfishing and illegal fishing practices.

How to do it?

Choosing seafood products that are processed sustainably is one of the ways that can be taken by being a smart consumer in choosing sustainable products. What does a sustainably processed seafood product look like? We are facilitated by the existence of ecolabels on products. The ecolabels include MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for capture fisheries products and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) for aquaculture.

Consumers also have the right to be more vocal in expressing opinions to sellers about their desire for environmentally friendly and sustainable seafood products. The desire and demand for environmentally friendly products will certainly drive fisheries businesses to pay attention to the practices they use to match what consumers want.

Another way is to find out the conservation status of the seafood you eat. By knowing this, we can consider what fish are better to eat based on their availability in nature. One application that makes it easy for consumers to find out the conservation status of seafood is WWF-Indonesia's Seafood Guide. In addition, of course, consumers can seek information through credible and trusted online media.

Triplepundit states in its article that consumer purchasing power affects the market. When a lot of consumers ask for a type of product, the market will certainly try to fulfill consumer demand. So, we can be wiser to consume certain types of fish. Triplepundit also says to be a consumer who dares to try. For example, if you like grouper, which is currently in short supply, it would be better to try other species, such as skipjack, which is not on the endangered fish list.

Let's start being smart consumers "We choose to save!"