Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Strengthens Monitoring Implementation of Tuna Harvest Strategy in Indonesia

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), together with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), and other partners, is currently preparing technical guidelines (juknis) for tuna fishing in Indonesian waters. These guidelines will serve as a reference to ensure sustainable, science-based tuna fisheries management in compliance with established policies.

Halid K. Jusuf, Director of Fisheries Resource Surveillance at the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (Ditjen PSDKP) of MMAF, emphasized that strengthening monitoring is key to the successful implementation of the Tuna Harvest Strategy, particularly in limiting fish aggregating devices (FADs), temporary fishing closure areas, and production quota controls.

“Without an integrated and operational monitoring system, well-designed policies will not be effectively implemented in the field. This collaboration is crucial to ensure the compliance and sustainability of national tuna stocks. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest tuna producers, playing a critical role in global consumption and as a strategic economic resource for Indonesian communities,” he said during the initial coordination meeting for drafting the technical monitoring guidelines for the Tuna Harvest Strategy in Bogor, 5 February 2025.

In June 2023, MMAF launched the Tuna Harvest Strategy as a milestone in implementing science-based fisheries management in Indonesian Archipelagic Waters (WPPNRI 713, 714, and 715). This strategy builds on the Tuna, Skipjack, and Little Tuna Fisheries Management Plan (RPP-TCT), which the ministry first established under Ministerial Decree No. 107/2015 and updated with Decree No. 121/2021.

This strategy comprises three main steps: limiting the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) to control fishing intensity, particularly for juvenile tuna; implementing temporary fishing closures in the Banda Sea, which is a key spawning area for tuna; and gradually reducing tuna production by 10 percent from the 2021 baseline as a measure to restore stock levels and safeguard resources. This strategy aligns with the implementation of the Quota-Based Measured Fishing Policy as stipulated in Government Regulation Number 11 of 2023.

Syahril Abd. Raup, Director of Fish Resources Management (PSDI) at the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries MMAF, stressed that robust monitoring is the foundation for ensuring effective policy implementation. According to him, the Harvest Strategy must be supported by a consistent, data-driven, and integrated monitoring system across units to maintain Indonesia’s tuna fisheries in line with national and regional commitments.

“At present, the implementation of the three management measures under the Tuna Harvest Strategy still faces major challenges, mainly because an integrated, structured, and operational surveillance framework has yet to be fully optimized to ensure effective tuna fisheries management in Indonesia,” he said.

Fayakun Satria, Principal Researcher at BRIN’s Fisheries Research Center, expressed hope that the availability of these technical guidelines will strengthen the implementation of a Monitoring, Controlling, and Surveillance-Enforcement (MCS-E) system for tuna fisheries management in Indonesia. The system refers to monitoring mechanisms, measurable compliance indicators, reporting flows, and the evaluation of management measures implementation.

“This strategy represents a crucial milestone in applying science-based management principles and improving tuna resource governance in national waters. Strong monitoring will ensure that management policies truly contribute to tuna stock recovery and the balance of marine ecosystems,” he said.

The coordination meeting drafted a plan for monitoring mechanisms to implement the Tuna Harvest Strategy and recommended FAD oversight, area closures, and the application of fishing quotas. These outcomes will guide the development of national technical monitoring guidelines.

YKAN’s Support for Sustainable Fisheries in Indonesia  

For over a decade, YKAN has actively supported sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia, mainly by strengthening scientific data, advancing technology, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration for strategic commodities such as tuna.

Since 2014, researchers have developed the Crew-Operated Data Recording System (CODRS) to help fishers digitally record their catches. The government uses this system as the basis for national fish stock assessments. CODRS has logged millions of data points and supports science-based policy development, including tuna utilization strategies in Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas (WPPNRI).

YKAN is also involved in technological innovations such as FishFace (Fish Facial Identification Technology), an AI-based tool capable of real-time identification of high-value fish species, including tuna. It integrates with the MMAF’s E-Logbook system to improve data accuracy and fish stock management transparency.

“Through this cross-institutional collaboration, we promote standardized, measurable, and sustainable monitoring, ensuring that tuna fisheries management in Indonesia delivers long-term benefits for the economy and marine ecosystem conservation,” said Glaudy Perdanaharja, YKAN Senior Manager for Sustainable Fisheries.

YKAN continues to work with the government, fishing communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen fair and accountable fisheries governance while supporting coastal community welfare and ensuring the sustainability of tuna stocks as a strategic national commodity.