In a bid to capitalise on the increase in international demand for sustainably managed pole-and-line and hand-line caught fish, Jakarta’s skipjack fishery is gearing up for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
Following the MSC certification of the Maldives’ pole-and-line caught skipjack fishery, the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) has turned its attention towards ensuring the long term viability of Indonesia’s traditional fishery.
Dr Hussain Rasheed Hassan, chairman, IPNLF, said: “Indonesia has recognised that the demand for MSC certified tuna is increasing all over the world, but especially in Europe where the MSC ecolabel is most highly regarded. Ultimately, we want to see Indonesia’s fishery given the same opportunities that the Maldives now has.”
As the world’s largest tuna fishing nation, Indonesia’s skipjack resource is crucial to the survival of many of the country’s local fishing communities and the overall economy.
Dr Hassan added: “Stakeholders are fully aware that due to the sheer size of Indonesia’s coastline, it will probably be more complicated to secure MSC status for the fishery than it was for the Maldives, but it is nevertheless achievable if we go about it in the right structured manner.”
Dr Hassan will meet with Indonesia’s Fisheries Minister and key industry members ahead of the second International Coastal Tuna Business Forum, taking place from 27 to 29 May 2013 in Jakarta, to discuss MSC certification, international market opportunities and future export trends.
