Dialectics of Quota-Based Measured Fishing

Summary

Indonesia's maritime and fishery sector, with its vast resources, faces challenges due to unsustainable fishing practices. The government has introduced the 'measured fishing policy' under Regulation No. 11 of 2023, aiming for sustainability and equitable resource management. A trial in Zone 3, covering several seas, involves 187 fishing vessels from Northern Java. Concerns from fishermen, academics, and environmentalists revolve around unclear definitions, quota allocation, and regional impact. The policy seeks to balance ecological preservation, economic growth, and social welfare, with ongoing discussions to refine the regulations and improve efficiency in fishery management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia has significant potential in the maritime sector with millions of tons of global marine fishery resources.
• 😀 Excessive and unsustainable fishing practices are impacting fish resources and the welfare of fishermen in Indonesia.
• 😀 The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, has introduced a 'measured fishing policy' to address these challenges.
• 😀 The new policy is planned to be implemented in 2024, though the government has temporarily postponed it for further preparation and refinement.
• 😀 A trial of the measured fishing policy was conducted in June 2024, focusing on Zone 3, which includes the Aru Sea, Arafura Sea, and the eastern part of the Timor Sea.
• 😀 187 fishing vessels from the northern coast of Java participated in the trial and sold their catch to fish management companies in the region.
• 😀 The policy involves fish quotas, fishing area permits, and non-tax state revenue, which have raised debates among fishermen, academics, and environmental activists.
• 😀 Issues regarding the classification of 'small' and 'local' fishermen and their access to quotas have been a point of confusion and concern.
• 😀 The policy differentiates between 'industrial' fishing quotas and 'small/local' fishing quotas, with specific rules for vessel sizes and operation areas.
• 😀 The goal of the policy is to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources while providing economic and social benefits for local communities and industries.
• 😀 The government has implemented a model trial to assess the operational efficiency of fish landing, market distribution, and fish quality, which has received feedback from various stakeholders.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the 'measured fishing policy' in Indonesia?

The main objective of the 'measured fishing policy' is to regulate fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of fish resources, improve the welfare of fishermen, and maximize the economic benefits from Indonesia's marine resources.

Why was the implementation of the 'measured fishing policy' postponed?

The implementation of the policy was postponed due to the need for additional preparation to refine the policy and address various issues, including clarity regarding fishing quotas and the involvement of different types of fishermen.

What is the trial phase of the 'measured fishing policy' and where is it taking place?

The trial phase of the 'measured fishing policy' is taking place in Zone Tre, which includes the Aru Sea, Arafura Sea, and the eastern part of the Timore Sea. It involves a trial implementation before the full-scale rollout in 2024.

How many fishing vessels participated in the trial phase of the policy, and what is their role?

A total of 187 fishing vessels from the northern coast of Java participated in the trial phase. These vessels are allowed to sell their catch to fish management companies within the trial zone, and the catch will later be distributed to local markets in Java and some will be exported.

What is the significance of the 'measured fishing policy' for small-scale fishermen?

For small-scale fishermen, the policy aims to provide clearer regulations regarding quotas and fishing areas. However, there are concerns about the definition of 'small-scale fishermen' and whether they will receive fair quotas compared to industrial fishermen.

How are fishing quotas being managed in the new policy?

Fishing quotas in the policy are divided into three categories: industrial quotas, small-scale fisherman quotas, and local fisherman quotas. The quotas will be based on the size of the fishing vessel and the area in which it operates, with specific regulations for each category.

What are the challenges faced by fishermen in understanding the new quotas?

One of the main challenges is the lack of clear definitions regarding 'small-scale' and 'local' fishermen, leading to confusion about who qualifies for specific quotas. The inconsistency in defining these terms has led to uncertainty among fishermen about how the quotas will apply to them.

What is the role of government regulations in ensuring fairness for different types of fishermen?

Government regulations are critical in ensuring that the quotas are distributed fairly across different categories of fishermen. However, there are concerns about how these regulations are applied, particularly with the complex definitions and the lack of clarity regarding vessel size and fishing areas.

What feedback have industry stakeholders provided about the trial phase of the policy?

Industry stakeholders have provided feedback highlighting logistical challenges, such as inefficiencies in transporting fish from the trial zones to markets in Java. Additionally, some fishermen have expressed concerns about the limited variety of fish species that can be processed by companies in the trial zones.

How does the trial phase aim to improve the efficiency of the fishing industry?

The trial phase aims to improve efficiency by testing the logistics of landing fish closer to the fishing zones, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the freshness and quality of the fish by shortening the time between capture and delivery to market.