Copy Courtesy of NusaBali, translated via Google
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) stated that Indonesia’s yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna fisheries have succeeded in meeting the global standard certification for sustainable fisheries by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
“The collaboration between the Indonesian government and MSC has made 11,000 tons of yellowfin and skipjack tuna certified for the American and European markets,” said Acting Director General of Capture Fisheries M. Zaini, in a press release in Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Friday.
According to him, this achievement was achieved by Indonesia thanks to the efforts of KKP and the Indonesian Pole and Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) supported by the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) who have worked hard to ensure that tuna fisheries in Indonesia are managed sustainably. Zaini explained that the certification obtained involved 380 fishing vessels spread across Indonesia, from North Sulawesi and North Maluku to the Banda Sea, and East and West Flores.
This, he continued, is also an implementation of cooperation between the KKP and MSC which confirms the joint commitment to strengthen collaboration on sustainable fishing.
“The existence of this certification shows our commitment to sustainable tuna fishing in Indonesia to the world. As one of the largest tuna producers in the world, it is vital for us to support the process of obtaining this certification through a fisheries improvement program so that all fisheries sectors can grow sustainably while providing guaranteed livelihoods in the future, “said Zaini.
He explained, this certification determines. fishing to remain at global best practice levels with good stock management.This gain is a commitment that must be maintained over the five years to maintain its certificate, in terms of stock and management.
“Of course the support of all stakeholders (stakeholders) related to small-scale tuna fisheries is very important in encouraging the acceleration of the process towards sustainability,” he explained.
The assessment for this certification is carried out by an independent appraiser, SAI Global. This was followed by a detailed assessment and stakeholder consultation by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the agency responsible for 60 percent of the world’s tuna catch, as well as the Central and Provincial governments.
Director of the Asia Pacific Marine Stewardship Council, Patrick Caleo, congratulated Indonesia on the achievements, especially AP2HI, which has worked hard to manage sustainable fisheries.
Patrick Caleo believes that this certification can be maintained and even improved in the future. “This MSC ecolabel and certification program recognizes and rewards sustainable fishing practices and helps create a more sustainable seafood market to be globally recognized,” he said.
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