Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) is a management approach that aims to balance various social objectives by taking into account the knowledge and uncertainties of biotic, abiotic, and human resources as components of the ecosystem and their interactions. This approach promotes integrated fisheries management within meaningful ecological boundaries (FAO, 2003).

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), through the Center for Marine and Fisheries Training and Extension (Puslatlu KP) under the Counseling and Development Agency for Maritime and Fisheries Human Resources (BPPSDMKP), held a training program on EAFM for the planning level.

This EAFM planner-level training at the third training in a series facilitated through GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant funding entitled "The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Eastern Indonesia (Fisheries Management Area - FMA 715, 717 & 718) Components A, B, and D", which is a collaboration between the KKP and WWF US GEF Agency. Previously, trainings have been carried out for the evaluator level (Bali, 2022) and the implementer level (Manokwari, 2023).

“With competent human resources, all ecosystem-based fisheries management activities can be implemented effectively and deliver positive impacts on marine and fisheries resources,” explained Lilly Aprilya Pregiwati, Head of Puslatlu KP.

The training involved facilitators from various institutions, including the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (DJPT), BPPSDMKP (AUP Polytechnic & Sukamandi BPPA), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Coral Triangle Center (CTC). The team of instructors were consisted of Prof. Dr. Ir. I Nyoman Suyasa, M.Si; Dr. Suharyanto, S.Pi, M.Si; Ir. Iis Jubaedah, M.Si; Aris Budiarto, S.Pi, M.Si; Wienda J. Ardiyani, S.Pi, M.Si; Denny Boy Mochran, S.T; Fajar Nugroho, S.Kel, M.Si; Darmayanti, A.Pi, S.Pi, M.E.; and Dian Novianto, S.St.Pi, M.Si.

The training team effectively delivered the EAFM content in a well-structured training format. Initially, there were 14 EAFM training modules, which have now been consolidated into 7 training units. These seven training units include:
(1) Identification of fishery resources (SDI) and their environment;
(2) Data and information provision based on EAFM key indicators;
(3) Determination of boundaries/areas for EAFM management units;
(4) Stakeholder identification and their relevance to EAFM;
(5) Priority issues and problems in SDI, SDI environment, socio-economics, and governance;
(6) Formulating objectives and targets for SDI, SDI environment, socio-economics, and ecosystem-based fisheries governance; and
(7) Preparing improvement action plans using the EAFM approach.

“Through this training, I gained a lot of knowledge that will be very useful for future planning of ecosystem-based fisheries management,” said Mufti Ingratubun from the Fisheries Service of Southeast Maluku Regency.

Participants who attended the five-day training and passed the evaluation received a certificate for EAFM training at the planning level.