A three-year Memorandum of Agreement strengthening cooperation in the field of marine affairs, fisheries and aquaculture, has been signed between Indonesia and FAO.
The agreement was signed by Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutardjo and by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, paying a three-day official visit to Indonesia.
Under the agreement, specific arrangements will be made to increase cooperation in a number of areas including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, marine conservation and the prevention, deterrence and elimination of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The agreement also covers capacity building, education and training, research and the exchange of experts, as well as food safety.
FAO and Indonesia also agreed to consult on matters of mutual interest prior to international fisheries meetings.
In 2011, Indonesia's fishery production totalled 8.4 million tonnes, of which inland and marine catch accounted for about 5.7 million tonnes and aquaculture 2.7 million tonnes. About 95% of the country's fishery production comes from artisanal fishermen.
In 2011, over 6 million people were engaged in inland and marine fishing and fish farming. The marine fishing fleet comprised 581,845 vessels.
In 2012, the total value of Indonesia's fisheries exports was $3.6 billion. The fishing industry accounted for 21% of Indonesia's agricultural economy and 3% of national GDP.
