YKAN and Partners Support Berau Regency Government to Develop Shrimp Production Traceability Information Systems

Berau Regency is one of the largest contributors to fisheries production in East Kalimantan Province. In addition to contributing from the capture fisheries sector, Berau Regency is also known as a source for tiger shrimp commodity production. With a pond area of approximately 9,000 hectares, Berau Regency produces tiger shrimp from brackish water aquaculture an average of 810 tons per year. Therefore, the traceability information system is an important aspect that needs to be encouraged.

This was the focus of the discussion in the “Berau District Shrimp Production Traceability Information System Development Workshop” held by the Berau District Fisheries Service and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), supported by Mulawarman University, Muhammadiyah University of Berau, and PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur on 2 March 2022. This activity is the initial stage of developing a traceability information system for shrimp production in Berau Regency.

"The development of the tiger shrimp market network in Berau Regency is still wide open, in particular" premium segment that requires environmentally friendly products. Currently, we and YKAN are developing a shrimp traceability information system that is in line with the needs of the global market, which requires food safety guarantees and the principle of sustainability of environmental carrying capacity. This system will also contain the information needed to formulate various policies for shrimp farming in Berau Regency,” explained the Head of the Berau Regency Fisheries Service, Tenteram Rahayu.

The importance of accurate data was also emphasized by researchers from the Research Center for Brackish Water Cultivation Fisheries and Fisheries Extension at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (BRPBAP3 KKP) Dr. Noble cadets. “Accurate and real time data will be the basis for policy making. For that we need an integrated system, spatially based and supported by digital technology, so that it is easily accessible, "explained Taruna. During the occasion, the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control and Safety of Fishery Products (BKIPM), Mulawarman University, and Muhammadiyah University expressed their support for the Berau District Government and YKAN initiatives. The partners also stated that they were ready to help realize the shrimp traceability program in Berau Regency.

For the initial stage, this traceability information system will be developed and piloted in the Shrimp-Carbon Aquaculture (SECURE) pond demonstration plot in Berau Regency. YKAN together with BRPBAP3 KKP introduced the SECURE approach as an effort to restore ponds to mangroves without reducing the productivity of community ponds. "The existence of this production traceability information system will help shrimp buyers around the world, to ensure that shrimp from Berau Regency comes from traditional ponds that are environmentally friendly, and safe for consumption," explained YKAN Director of Oceans Program Muhammad Ilman.

Berau Regency is listed as an area that has the largest mangrove ecosystem in East Kalimantan Province. Efforts to protect the mangrove ecosystem in Berau Regency indirectly support the production of sustainable capture fisheries and aquaculture. As a habitat for shrimp, fish and crabs, the mangrove ecosystem has an important meaning for fishermen and farmers, as well as the coastal communities of Berau Regency. By implementing sustainable aquaculture practices, economic growth can go hand in hand with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"With the development of information technology today, the Berau Regency Government hopes that tiger prawns that have been certified healthy and environmentally friendly can enter well-known supermarkets in Indonesia and be exported to various parts of the world. Of course, this requires support from many parties. Therefore, we welcome the initiative of the Berau District Fisheries Service and YKAN to strengthen the information system for tiger shrimp production traceability in Berau Regency," concluded the Regent of Berau Sri Juniarsih Mas.