To alleviate strain on the world’s largest marine tuna fisheries, Indonesia is venturing into tuna farming as part of its efforts to enhance the aquaculture sector. The country currently leads in tuna catches globally, contributing to approximately 16% of the world’s total tuna supply. However, overfishing and the unsustainable exploitation of wild tuna in Indonesia’s waters have raised concerns about the fishery’s future.
The Indonesian fisheries ministry has implemented several measures to maintain sustainable tuna production, including harvest controls, species monitoring, and encouraging international-standard sustainability certification. To further address these challenges, the ministry is now considering the establishment of tuna farms in the nation’s bays.
Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized the potential benefits of cultivating tuna within Indonesia, moving away from mass tuna fishing towards a more sustainable approach. He highlighted the economic value and protein supply that tuna farming could provide, envisioning a shift from extensive wild tuna catching to a system of catching and cultivating tuna for enhanced economic value.
Trenggono acknowledged the need for specialized skills and techniques for farming tuna compared to traditional fishing methods. He consulted with a fisheries expert from Turkey and plans to engage with others from Australia to leverage their expertise in tuna-farming techniques. The Turkish expert reportedly identified Indonesia’s potential to become the world’s largest tuna-farming country.
With numerous suitable bays across the archipelagic nation, potential sites for tuna farming include Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara province and Morotai in Maluku province. Indonesia’s waters are home to various tuna species, and the move towards tuna farming aims to strike a balance between economic development, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
In 2021, Indonesia’s tuna fishery yielded 791,000 metric tons, valued at 22 trillion rupiah ($1.5 billion), with significant exports to countries such as the United States, Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Australia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. The government is actively encouraging sustainable certification and eco-labeling for tuna fisheries, aligning with global efforts to ensure responsible fishing practices and supply chain transparency.
President Joko Widodo’s directive to boost aquaculture productivity has spurred Indonesia’s efforts in this sector. The country’s aquaculture output registered a 6% increase in the third quarter of 2021, contributing significantly to non-tax state revenue. Indonesia’s foray into tuna farming signals a strategic move towards more sustainable and responsible practices in the crucial fisheries sector.
Source: Mongabay
