Dissemination of Fisheries Data Results in Misool Conservation Area Supporting Sustainable Management

In support of sustainable fisheries management in Southwest Papua Province, since mid-2022, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) has partnered with coastal fishermen to collect small-scale fisheries data through the Fishermen Care program using the Crew Operated Data Recording System (CODRS) method. This program is implemented in several locations within the Bird’s Head Seascape in Southwest Papua Province, including Werur Raya in Tambrauw Regency; Malaumkarta Raya in Sorong Regency; as well as in Misool and Kofiau, Raja Ampat Regency.

The importance of data collection in supporting sustainable fisheries management was the main topic of discussion at the Fisheries Data Dissemination Workshop in the Misool Marine Conservation Area held on August 19, 2025, in Sorong. This event was organized by YKAN in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries (P2KP) of Southwest Papua Province and the Regional Public Service Agency Technical Implementation Unit (BLUD UPTD) for the Management of Raja Ampat Marine Conservation Areas. It was attended by relevant stakeholders from both the government and development partners.

“On behalf of the Southwest Papua Provincial Government, we thank YKAN for supporting sustainable fisheries activities in the province. One of the key factors for successful fisheries management is the management of adequate and high-quality data and information. This data plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of measurable fishing policies, a priority program of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries,” said Absalom Solossa, Head of the P2KP Department of Southwest Papua Province.

This workshop followed data collection activities involving 66 CODRS partner fishermen from 26 coastal villages in North Misool, West Misool, South Misool, and East Misool districts. These fishermen actively participated with field officers in documenting daily catches. The collected data not only strengthens local conservation management but also plays a vital role in supporting the effectiveness of marine conservation area management.

“Conservation is not just about protecting fish or corals. It’s about people who live by the sea. Our partnership with YKAN in developing CODRS for fisheries data collection shows that when fishermen are part of the solution, sustainability becomes a reality, not just a discussion. Besides Misool, catch data collection has also started in Conservation Area V, Kofiau–Boo, involving 15 partner fishermen,” said Syafri, Head of the BLUD UPTD Raja Ampat Marine Conservation Area.

YKAN has been developing a data collection system using CODRS since 2014, involving fishermen directly in the process.

“Implementing CODRS is an effort to address one of the challenges in fisheries management in Indonesia—limited fisheries data. In addition to obtaining accurate data, the direct involvement of fishermen enhances their understanding of the importance of preserving fishery resources and habitats,” explained Glaudy Perdanahardja, Senior Manager of Sustainable Fisheries at YKAN.

In Raja Ampat Regency, including Misool and Kofiau, communities still uphold the traditional sasi practice. With CODRS support, this customary system is integrated with scientific analysis. Catch data provides empirical evidence that strengthens customary decisions, while traditional rules offer social legitimacy, encouraging compliance among fishermen. This synergy ensures harmony and sustainability. Science, tradition, and communities work together to safeguard Indonesia’s marine future.

“The Bird’s Head Seascape is the world’s center of marine biodiversity. Conservation efforts are inextricably linked to fisheries management, and it is essential that these efforts provide tangible benefits to local communities. Through an integrated approach combining science and tradition, we protect our seas while delivering sustainable economic benefits,” said Awaludinnoer, Senior Manager of the Bird’s Head Seascape at YKAN.

Weaving Sustainability

Support provided to fishermen has led to positive and measurable outcomes. In North Misool, over 73% of fishermen now use size-eight hooks, a community initiative that has led to a reduction in the catch of small or juvenile fish. CODRS data confirms this change: the proportion of juvenile tiger grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) in catches dropped from 30% in 2023 to 26% in 2024. Additionally, fishing activity in non-extractive conservation zones decreased by nearly 60%.

For Wilhelmus Lan, a fisherman from Salafen Village in North Misool District, the results of these changes are tangible. Initially, he doubted the community agreement on hook sizes, believing every fish caught was valuable. After two years in the Nelayan Peduli program, he confidently observed that he now catches larger fish that are easier to sell and provide a higher income.

“I used to catch very small fish, many of which couldn’t be sold. Now, using size-eight hooks, the fish are bigger and sell for higher prices,” he said.

Beyond economic gains, this experience has given Wilhelmus a new sense of pride and personal accomplishment. "I feel like I'm helping to protect the sea, not just taking from it. My children and grandchildren will also be able to fish without worrying about depleting the fish population," he added, highlighting the program's contribution to intergenerational sustainability.

According to the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Fish Market data, the fisheries economic potential in Misool is promising. Between 2023 and 2024, South Misool’s potential is estimated at IDR 1.18 billion, while North Misool’s potential is around IDR 0.67 billion. Both are conservation areas. The production of reef fish in Raja Ampat Regency also showed a significant increase, from just 233 tons in 2022 to nearly 2,000 tons in 2023.

Syafri reiterated that Misool’s vast fisheries potential requires better management supported by comprehensive data. This momentum is also being used to review area management regulations, including zoning plans and management plan documents.

Furthermore, to support sustainable fisheries, the BLUD UPTD Raja Ampat Ocean Conservation Area is currently initiating the installation of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in South Misool. This program aims to mimic natural ecosystems, helping to restore fish stocks, increase biodiversity, and provide socio-economic benefits to fishermen through increased income.