Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, has stated that the fishing programme implemented by her ministry, which involves the eradication of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has successfully increased the country’s fish supply.
The national fish stock is reported to have increased over the last 5 years.
“Based on the National Committee on Fish Stock Assessment data, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of Indonesian fisheries sees a significant increase,” Susi added.
The national fish stock was estimated to be 7.3 million tonnes in 2015, which increased to 12.54 million tonnes in 2017.
The ministry has managed to sink 516 vessels since 2014, those that were caught fishing illegally in Indonesian waters. Aside from the increase in fish stock, they have also managed to boost fish exports by 45.9 per cent, from 654,950 tonnes or US$3.97billion, equal to Rp53.9trillion in 2015, to 955.880 tonnes or US$5.17billion, or Rp72trillion, in 2018.
Minister Susi added that Indonesia has managed to export fish to over 157 countries, with USA as their largest export destination.
Source: Tempo
Image: Tribun Bangka
