Oceans Program

Sustainable Fisheries

CODRS
Raja Ampat underwater photo©Awaludinnoer_YKAN Raja Ampat underwater photo©Awaludinnoer_YKAN © Awaludinnoer/YKAN

Since 2014, YKAN has been dedicated to enhancing fisheries management and conservation in Indonesia by developing data-driven information systems.

YKAN's creation was born out of the complex issues within Indonesia's fisheries sector, requiring comprehensive solutions for data management, sustainable management, and coastal community engagement.

COMMUNITY-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT A cornerstone of YKAN’s approach is the adoption of Territorial Use Rights for Fisheries (TURF). This approach gives coastal communities exclusive access to manage defined inshore fishing areas, ensuring that those who depend on the resources play a leading role in their sustainable use.

Initially, YKAN’s program focused on snapper fisheries, encompassing both reef-based varieties and demersal fisheries, which operate on or near the seafloor. Over time, the scope of our work expanded significantly to embrace tuna fisheries and other coastal fisheries. After more than a decade of engagement, YKAN now plays a key role in developing fisheries policies and advancing fisheries conservation in Indonesia.

YKAN’s Strategic Focus for Sustainable Fisheries

To optimize its impact, YKAN focuses on three strategic issues

One of our most notable innovations is CODRS  – the Crew-Operated Data Recording System. It provides accurate information on sustainable fisheries management to government, communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders. CODRS not only serves as an essential tool for collecting real-time fisheries data but also forms the basis for developing scientific recommendations.

We also produce sophisticated technical reports and guides, ranging from fisheries stock status assessments and frame surveys to fish identification training materials. These resources are essential for developing effective and responsible fisheries policies and practices.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has designated YKAN as a trusted partner in supporting the National Commission for Fishery Resource Assessment (Komnas Kajiskan). YKAN assesses fish stocks in 11  Fisheries Management Areas (WPP) across Indonesia. These assessments are the basis for setting catch allocations and ensuring the sustainable management of fishery resources.

Key Achievements in Sustainable Fisheries

  • 11 FMA

    Fisheries data collection conducted across 11 FMA

  • 1.110

    CODRS implemented by 1,110 fishers across Indonesia

  • 8M

    YKAN has identified fish species >8 million photograph

  • 50+

    50+ science-based recommendations for sustainable fisheries

Commitment to the Future

YKAN is committed to being part of the long-term solution for a healthy and sustainable future for Indonesia's fisheries. We believe that by combining science-based strategies, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and innovative technology, Indonesia's fisheries can recover, thrive, and provide a fair and just source of livelihoods for generations to come.

WPP 711
Snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 712
Fisheries data collection (CODRS) and snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 713
Tuna harvest strategy implementation, FishFace, snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 715
Kofiau & Misool
Tuna harvest strategy implementation, FishFace, snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 718
Fisheries data collection (CODRS) and snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 573
Fisheries data collection (CODRS), TURF-reserve development, snapper grouper harvest strategy, development of reef-positive impact business proposal.
Teon Nila Serua
Fisheries data collection (CODRS), TURF-reserve development and implementation.
WPP 714
Tuna harvest strategy implementation, FishFace, snapper grouper harvest strategy development.
WPP 717
Werur, Malaumkarta
Fisheries data collection (CODRS), TURF-reserve development and implementation.

Sustainable Fisheries Management Areas