foto bersama peserta KPBP Tuna NTB Reguler

Sustaining Tuna Fisheries in West Nusa Tenggara: A Collaborative Effort Takes Shape

by Muhammad Alzaki Tristi

Lombok, January 23, 2025In an effort to advance sustainable tuna fisheries in West Nusa Tenggara, regional and national stakeholders gathered on Thursday for a pivotal meeting of the West Nusa Tenggara Fisheries Co-Management Committee (FCMC).

Organized by the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency West Nusa Tenggara and MDPI, the meeting convened government officials, academics, fisher groups, industry leaders, and nonprofit organizations to address pressing challenges in the region’s fisheries sector.

Against the backdrop of increasing global focus on seafood traceability and sustainability, discussions focused on regulatory challenges, fisher welfare, and the environmental impact of commercial fishing. Participants examined ways to integrate the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 713 with the FCMC and debated strategies to strengthen traceability systems to meet export market demands.

Muslim, Head of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency West Nusa Tenggara, underscored the importance of this dialogue. “We hope this meeting allows for a detailed mapping of challenges, problems, and obstacles faced by both fishers and industry players. The outcomes should serve as valuable input for our government programs,” he stated.

One of the key topics was the recent developments from the Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO), particularly the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) upgrading the status of yellowfin tuna stocks—a promising sign for sustainability efforts. Discussions also tackled the ongoing challenges of maintaining responsible tuna fisheries in West Nusa Tenggara and the steps needed to address them.

Riza Baroqi, Governance Officer at MDPI, expressed how stakeholders actively participated in the resolution building. “The concerns raised by all parties were well-articulated, aligning with the request from the fisheries office. We hope the major challenges identified here will soon see concrete solutions,” he remarked.

Read also: MDPI Strengthens Collaboration with BRIN for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Indonesia

Focus Group Discussion bersama
Stakeholders discuss on means to tackle the provincial issues on tuna stock. (Thursday, January 23, 2025)

Key Challenges

In Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province, fluctuating fish prices and limited access to capital continue to pose significant hurdles for the region’s fishers. Key among the forum’s recommendations was the need for standardized pricing mechanisms to ensure fair market conditions, alongside more accessible financing schemes tailored to small-scale fishers. The discussion also underscored the critical role of cooperatives in providing inclusive financial services and promoting financial literacy among fishing communities.

But economic hardship is not the only concern. Environmental degradation, fueled by mining operations, shrimp farming, and destructive fishing practices, has taken a toll on the region’s marine ecosystems. The declining quality of fisheries data further complicates management efforts. In response, the KPBP called for stricter reforestation and waste management policies, greater enforcement against illegal fishing practices, and improved data collection through community-based logbooks.

Suasana diskusi para stakeholders perikanan di NTB
Hariani, a representative from West Nusa Tenggara tuna industry, lifted up their voice on the forum. (Thursday, January 23, 2025)

Proposed Solutions

Despite these challenges, the forum was not without optimism. Hariani, a representative of PT High Point Fisheries, one of Indonesia’s major industry players, welcomed the recent designation of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean as “green” by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

“We recognize that business isn’t just about profit—it’s also about the well-being of fishers and the long-term sustainability of our fisheries,” Hariani stated. The FCMC, established under a 2020 gubernatorial decree, serves as a key forum for shaping the future of Indonesia’s tuna industry.

With government agencies, academics, fishers, and industry leaders at the table, the hope is that collaborative efforts will yield lasting solutions—ensuring both the sustainability of marine resources and the economic resilience of the communities that depend on them.

Read also: Ministry Recognizes MDPI for Consistent Support in Small-Scale Fishers’ Logbook Program