Young Leaders Take the Stage at Tuna Talks 2024: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Fisheries with Innovation in Facing Climate Crisis

As a platform for discussion, collaboration and progress in the field of tuna fisheries management, Tuna Talks 2024 was successfully held at the FX Lifestyle Center, Jakarta. This event was held in line with the global community’s efforts towards sustainable practices in marine resource management and the importance of effective tuna fisheries management. Tuna Talks events were also attended by a number of scientists, practitioners and students to facilitate forums related to sustainable tuna fisheries management.

As a platform
for discussion, collaboration and progress in the field of tuna fisheries
management, Tuna Talks 2024 was
successfully held at the FX Lifestyle
Center, Jakarta. This event was held in line with the global community’s
efforts towards sustainable practices in marine resource management and the
importance of effective tuna fisheries management. Tuna Talks events were also
attended by a number of scientists, practitioners and students to facilitate
forums related to sustainable tuna fisheries management.

Following the
landmark launch of the Tuna Harvest Strategy in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters
(WPP713, 714, and 715) on World Oceans Day 2023, substantial strides have been
made towards advancing the sustainability and fairness of tuna fisheries.
Critical components of this strategy include spatial closure, quotas, Total
Allowable Catches (TAC), and Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) management, all
aimed at bolstering ocean health through enhanced scientific understanding,
research, and technological innovation. Building upon the wealth of experience
garnered from the development and implementation of the Tuna Harvest Strategy
from 2014 to 2023, Tuna Talks serves as a momentum guiding future tuna
management policies. Aligning with the new quota based fisheries policy,
Penangkapan Ikan Terukur  to ensure a
cohesive and effective approach to tuna fisheries management.

“Blue Economy is
the efficiency of managing natural resources rather than unlimited
exploitation, a balanced benefit that covers both social and economic aspects
and managing ecological sustainability and biodiversity. This concept drives
the implementation of Quota and Fishing Zones Sustainable Fisheries
(Penangkapan Ikan Terukur),” said Trian
Yunanda, Secretary of Capture Fisheries, MMAF when he was the main speaker
at Tuna Talks 2024.

Tuna Talks 2024
gathered an enriching forum for scientists, practitioners and students from
Fisheries Polytechnic Jakarta, Jembrana (Bali) and Sorong (Papua). Through this
platform, undergraduate students or fisheries cadets present their ideas of
fishing gears, climate change and green businesses related to tuna capture
fisheries. This five-hour talk facilitated the exchange of experiences,
research findings and best practices, from 13 speakers who fostered a
collaborative environment conducive to sustainable tuna fisheries management.

The students who
attended as speakers presented material regarding the sustainability of tuna
fisheries. Bagas Prakoso from Jakarta Technical Fisheries University presented
his research “Temporal Analysis of
Productivity for Tuna and Cakalang”. Apart from that, a final year student
from Jembarana, Bali Putu Dellonik Regia
Purwanasa, Students of Seafood
Processing presented “Climate
Change, Human Population & Tuna Stocks” responding to the current
climate crisis issue related to food and sustenance due to the demographic
bonus.

Not only final year students, Hermawan
a first-year student from North Konawai, Southeast Sulawesi also participated
in emphasising Tuna Business, as the epiphany of Blue Economy for economic
value. Renaldo Fredly Rumaherang from Sorong-West Papua, a cadet of
Fisheries Engineering, invented a hook of 2mm stainless steel and 80 cm
consisting of a row of ropes for handline fisheries for more effective and efficient
fishing for the small-scale fishers in his area.

The speakers
explored various aspects of implementing the Tuna Harvest Strategy in Indonesia
Archipelagic Waters, offering insights from diverse perspectives including
market dynamics, industry considerations, and supervision and monitoring
efforts. By bringing together key stakeholders, Tuna Talks underscores the
importance of collective action in achieving shared goals of sustainability and
equality in the tuna industry. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to
investing in human resources to create a future where the oceans are full of
life, our communities are prosperous, and our sovereignty is protected for
future generations,” said I Nyoman
Radiarta, Head of Marine and Fisheries Extension at the Ministry of Maritime
Affairs and Fisheries strengthen the narrative.

Indonesia Tuna Consortium Phase II, along with its five members: Masyarakat dan
Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI), Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia, Yayasan Konservasi Alam
Nusantara, Fair Trade USA and Marine Change through Association of Purse Seine
Indonesia framed the talk with their research, findings and approach to the 2,5
years journey of supporting the Government of Indonesia as strategic partner
for sustainable tuna fisheries management. “At Tuna Talks 2024, we understand
that the future of tuna isn’t solely measured in fish stocks but also in human
capital. Recognizing the pivotal role of skilled individuals, we’re fostering a
community where knowledge, innovation, and passion converge to safeguard tuna
and shape a sustainable future for everyone.” Thilma Komaling, Strategic Lead of Indonesia Tuna Consortium
concluded. This collaborative endeavour is aligned with the objectives of the
Indonesia Tuna Year 2024 program, further solidifying our commitment to
fostering a thriving and sustainable tuna sector.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES