North Maluku Fishers More Prepared: MDPI Pushes for FAD Registration to Save Tuna Fisheries
- May 20, 2025
by: Karel Yerusa dan Marwan Adam
The spirit to maintain the sustainability of tuna capture fisheries in North Maluku continues to grow stronger. On March 18–19, 2025, the Indonesian Society and Fisheries Foundation (MDPI), in collaboration with the Ternate National Fisheries Port (PPN) Office and the North Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), held a Socialization and Assistance event for Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Registration. The event took place at the PPN Bastiong meeting hall in Ternate.
Attended by 28 participants—comprising small-scale fishers and fisheries business actors—they came with one shared goal: to understand the importance of FAD registration as a concrete step toward conserving fish stocks and supporting a fisheries industry grounded in sustainability.
FADs—floating structures that attract fish and are widely used by fishers—indeed play a vital role. However, if used without registration or control, they can seriously harm marine ecosystems, especially for highly migratory species such as tuna.
At this event, participants received comprehensive information on the requirements for FAD registration based on Ministerial Regulation KP Number 36 of 2023, which includes the need to obtain a Marine Spatial Utilization Activity Conformity (KKPRL) permit and a FAD Placement Permit (SIPR). In addition, as a member of a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO), Indonesia is obligated to ensure that the use of FADs meets internationally recognized sustainability standards.
Read also: Raising Awareness on Sustainable Tropical Tuna Fishery Management in Gorontalo
The results so far are promising. In 2023, two FADs successfully went through the registration process, reaching the stage of document submission through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Furthermore, several fisheries business actors have expressed interest in registering FADs placed beyond 12 nautical miles, although many are still in the process of completing the necessary administrative requirements.
The road to ideal FAD management remains challenging. Issues such as the distant location of nationally allocated FAD zones from shore, high operational costs, and the prevalence of unregulated (illegal) FADs are real barriers in the field. Additionally, many small-scale fishers still face challenges in securing complete documentation for their vessels.
According to fishers and business actors who attended, the coordinates of nationally allocated FAD zones within Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 715 are not yet fully aligned with the needs of all fishing communities, leading to unequal access. They also highlighted the weak enforcement against illegal FADs, which could negatively impact fish stocks and threaten the sustainability of the tuna fishery in the region.
In response to this situation, MDPI remains committed to assisting small-scale fishers and fisheries business actors throughout the FAD registration process, while also advocating for their needs through active communication with both local and central governments.
“FAD registration is not just about following the rules. It’s a long-term investment in the future of our oceans, the economic sustainability of small-scale fishers, and global food security,” said Karel Yerusa, Governance Officer at MDPI, during the event.
This small step is part of a greater mission. With properly managed FADs, Indonesia not only protects its marine ecosystems but also strengthens the competitiveness of its fishery products in the global market.
Read also: MDPI Highlights Small-Scale Fishers Supporting Tuna Exports at Tuna Talks, World Expo 2025 Osaka
Now is the time to act—because regulations are not meant to restrict, but to protect!