Indonesia’s Sea: Facing Overfishing Challenges, Minister Calls for Sustainable Solutions
Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) – Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has issued a stark warning: overfishing is a grave threat to the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. He emphasized the need for stringent management of fisheries cultivation to address this growing concern.
Free Fishing Must Be Curtailed
“In my opinion, free fishing at sea must be limited,” Trenggono stated during a visit to a fish processing unit (UPI) of PT Tilapia Nusantara Jaya in Semarang. He stressed the importance of good management to maintain a healthy balance within the delicate marine environment.
A Sector Under Pressure
While recognizing the crucial role of the fishing sector, Trenggono highlighted the immense pressure it faces. He pointed out that Indonesia boasts thousands of fishermen and fisheries entrepreneurs who rely heavily on this industry.
“On the one hand, the fisheries sector is an important pillar, but on the other, the potential for overfishing needs to be watched out for,” Trenggono cautioned.
A Sea of Vessels
The sheer number of vessels operating in Indonesian waters paints a concerning picture. Trenggono revealed that a staggering 50,000 ships are active daily, some even venturing as far west as Perth, Australia in search of tuna.
“So, if you all look at the situation room—I call it the situation room to be able to see it directly—every day, there are no less than 50 thousand ships operating at sea; they even intervene to search for tuna as far west as Australia,” Trenggono emphasized.
Call for Collaborative Action
To tackle these challenges head-on, Trenggono called for a collaborative effort involving academics, fishermen, and the private sector to develop more sustainable fisheries cultivation practices.
“This means that the ecology can be maintained properly. But on the other hand, we have thousands or even millions of fishermen and also fisheries entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Interconnectedness of Marine Life
Trenggono emphasized that all marine life is interconnected. “If one species is caught without any limit, the resulting impact would damage the balance of the ecosystem as a whole,” he warned.
He further stressed that the use of environmentally harmful fishing tools poses a serious threat to the entire marine ecosystem.
Contaminated Catch
Trenggono pointed to the alarming issue of pollution in the marine environment. Fish caught in the open sea can contain hazardous materials such as rare earth molecules, mercury, and microplastics, posing a risk to human health.
He highlighted the devastating impact of microplastics, noting that Indonesia ranks second globally in marine plastic waste. This pollution seriously affects the quality of fisheries.
The Urgency for Change
Trenggono singled out irresponsible waste disposal by both the public and some fishermen as a major contributor to the worsening state of the marine environment. He outlined a need for stricter policies to combat overfishing and marine pollution.
These measures include expanding marine conservation areas and implementing managed fishing based on quotas. He also advocated for sustainable marine, coastal, and land cultivation, enhanced monitoring and control of coastal areas and small islands, and a participatory movement to clean up plastic waste from the sea, involving fishermen in the cleanup efforts.
Take Action for Our Oceans
The marine resources of Indonesia are vital to the nation’s future. Let us all work together to support sustainable fishing practices and protect our precious oceans.