Kakap di Indonesia Book Launched to Strengthen Scientific Basis for National Snapper Fisheries Management

Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), alongside the Rekam Nusantara Foundation (Rekam), launched the book "Snapper in Indonesia" during the 5th International Conference on Integrated Coastal Management & Marine Biotechnology (ICMMBT) held in Yogyakarta on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

As the world's largest archipelagic country, Indonesia holds vast potential for economic growth through its marine resources. Fisheries is a leading sector, and Indonesia is one of the world's top producers. However, this sector faces serious threats from unsustainable and environmentally destructive fishing practices.

Among the crucial commodities in the fisheries sector are snapper and grouper. These fish not only serve as important protein sources for communities but also hold significant economic value. The snapper and grouper fisheries involve more than 10,000 vessels and over 200 companies in Indonesia.

Despite its potential, snapper data collection faces challenges. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 100 snapper species are traded globally, many of which resemble each other. This complexity in species identification often leads to misidentification and mislabeling, affecting data accuracy and stock management. The "Snapper in Indonesia" book provides a comprehensive exploration of 65 snapper species found in Indonesian waters.

Drawing from YKAN’s snapper and grouper data collection experience through the CODRS program since 2015, approximately seven million specimens (photos and measurements) from 11 Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas (WPPNRI) have been documented. This documentation forms the foundation for this book and contributes to strengthening fisheries data.

Supporting National Blue Food Transformation

Snapper and grouper commodities are in high global demand. Indonesia contributes 9% of the national fisheries production and supplies around 43% of the global market demand for snapper and grouper. With increasing demand from various countries, effective management is essential to maintain fish stock sustainability.

In addition to launching the "Snapper in Indonesia" book, YKAN and Rekam presented the stock assessment report for snapper and grouper from the 11 WPPNRI areas to the National Commission for Fishery Resource Assessment (Komnas KAJISKAN). This report has undergone extensive analysis and technical discussions since July 2024, involving the Fisheries Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and several technical units under the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

The assessment utilises extensive and robust data from 1990 to 2023, employing the latest biomass model data analysis. Besides estimating potential, the assessment reveals varying stock statuses across WPPNRI areas, ranging from healthy to overfishing and overfished conditions.

“This report provides evidence-based recommendations for policy development, regulation setting, and serves as a foundation for further research. It is crucial for establishing fair and sustainable catch quota allocations,” stated Glaudy Perdanahardja, Senior Manager of Sustainable Fisheries at YKAN.

Echoing Glaudy’s remarks, Heidi Retnoningtyas, Director of the Fisheries Resource Center of Indonesia (FRCI)–Rekam Nusantara Foundation, added, “This stock assessment report represents scientific support from partners to strengthen sustainable fisheries governance in Indonesia.”

Syahril Abd. Rauf, Director of Fishery Resource Management at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, highlighted, "To ensure the sustainability of snapper and grouper resources aligned with the Ministry's main agenda of Quota-Based Measured Fishing (PIT), information on potential estimates, allowable catch limits, and resource utilisation levels are key instruments in implementing quota-based PIT."

The launch of the “Kakap di Indonesia” book and the stock report are part of YKAN, Rekam, and other partners’ long-term commitment to strengthening the management of small-scale and deep-sea fisheries nationwide. Reflecting the theme "Blue Food Nexus: Harnessing Solutions for Global Food Security and Ocean Health" at the 5th ICMMBT, the book and report aim to support Indonesia's "blue food" transformation agenda.