The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, held the Scientific Panel for the Fisheries Management Units (UPP) of the Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) 716 and 717 in Sorong. Supported by a grant from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, this event marked a strategic step toward strengthening national fisheries governance which based on data, technology, and local wisdom to support the implementation of the Measured Fishing (PIT) policy. (September 10-13, 2025)

Scientific Panel of the Fisheries Management Unit (UPP) for the Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) 716 and 717, facilitated by the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant, at Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic (September 10–13, 2025)

As an archipelagic country, Indonesia’s fisheries are characterized by complexity—multi-species, multi-gear, and involving numerous stakeholders. Therefore, area-based (WPPNRI) fisheries management provides a relevant and adaptive approach, taking into account the ecological diversity and socio-cultural characteristics of each region.

PIT and the Blue Economy as Strategic Focus

In his remarks, Director of Fish Resources Management, Syahril Abd Raup, stated that the national fisheries management policy is now aligned with the “Advanced Indonesia 2045” agenda through the implementation of the Asta Cita National Development Plan 2025–2029.

Director of Fish Resources Management, Syahril Abd Raup, officially opened the Scientific Panel of the Fisheries Management Units (UPPs) for the Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) 716 and 717 at Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic (September 10–13, 2025)

“We are supporting food security and self-sufficiency through a sustainable quota-based measured fishing system, which is in line with the second Asta Cita. This strategy is integrated within the Blue Economy policy, which balances biological, ecological, social, and economic aspects,” said Syahril.

The Blue Economy policy is structured around five main pillars: (i) expanding marine conservation areas to cover 30% of Indonesia’s sea territory; (ii) implementing measured fishing based on quotas and zones; (iii) promoting environmentally friendly aquaculture (marine, coastal, and inland); (iv) ensuring sustainable coastal and small island management; and (v) reducing marine plastic waste through participatory movements.

WPPNRI FMI: Platforms for Coordination and Science-Based Decision-Making

Zulfikar, the Panel Chair and Head of the Working Team for WPPNRI-based Fisheries Resources Management, explained that the Fisheries Management Institutions (LPP) for WPPNRI serve three main functions. First, coordinating stakeholders at the national and regional levels to ensure synergy in implementing PIT. Second, allocating provincial fishery resource quotas, in line with central government provisions (as stated in Minister of MAF Regulation No. 28/2023). Third, developing science- and data-based policy recommendations which are derived from research, studies, and field observations.

Zulfikar, the Panel Chair and Head of the Working Team for WPPNRI-based SDI Management, delivered the implementation report of the the Scientific Panel of the Fisheries Management Units (UPPs) for the Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) 716 and 717 at Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic (September 10–13, 2025)

Currently, the PSDI Directorate is developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to support quota-based policies, including fish species recognition through cameras and vessel tracking via the eLogbook and Observer Borang (OBOR) applications, which are currently under pilot testing.

Focuses on Priority Commodities and Field Challenges

In the panel, MMAF prioritized quota determination for five key commodities: tuna, lobster seed, squid, snapper and grouper, and shrimp.

Anton Wijonarno, representative of WWF US, attended the WPPNRI 717 Scientific Panel discussion at Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic (September 10–13, 2025)

The panel discussions focused on tuna management in WPPNRI 716 and 717, which face several challenges identified through scientific findings, including: declining stocks of yellowfin and skipjack tuna (SPR < 20%); juvenile catch and sea turtle bycatch; illegal fish aggregating devices (FADs); inadequate cold chain facilities and fish handling practices; low logbook reporting compliance; limited access to capital and markets; and small vessels (<5 GT) operating without proper documentation.

Panel Outcomes: Strategic Recommendations

The Scientific Panel for WPPNRI 716 & 717 produced ten strategic recommendations, including: strengthening data collection through 15 sampling sites across Papua, West Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua, and North Maluku; enforcing sanctions for non-compliance with logbook reporting;

mapping and organizing FADs across WPPNRI 717; developing cold chain facilities and conducting Good Fish Handling Practices (CPIB) training; developing Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (Red and White Fishermen’s Villages); conducting studies on fishing season patterns across zones; promoting logbook awareness and mentoring; establishing service outlets for fishing vessel documentation; studying bycatch in longline and purse seine fisheries; and formulating funding mechanisms to strengthen UPP institutions, including support from non-tax state revenue (PNBP) and development partners.

A Progressive Step Toward Sustainable Fisheries

By integrating science, policy, and cross-sector collaboration, this scientific panel stands as tangible proof that Indonesia’s fisheries governance reform is moving toward a sustainable, modern, and inclusive system.

Through cooperation among the central and regional governments, fishers, researchers, and stakeholders, Indonesia aims to realize fair, efficient, and sustainable fisheries management that preserves marine resources for future generations.