"Success in maintaining sovereignty is a key to the success of fostering national identity and dignity for Indonesias economic development," Pudjiastuti said in a statement released by WWF here, Saturday.
Having full sovereignty, Indonesia with the support of science and technology is able to manage its resources efficiently, effectively and sustainably, she noted.
When sovereignty and sustainability are achieved, and with the spirit of upholding justice, the nation can improve the welfare of fishermen, the minister added.
Indonesias fight against illegal fishing has received widespread support because countries around the world have realized that damage to the Indonesian seas could threaten the worlds food stock.
Pudjiastuti was participating in "Our Ocean Conference" hosted by United States Secretary of State John Kerry, in Washington DC on September 15 and 16.
The conference focused on the key ocean issues such as marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related impact on the ocean.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) presented Pudjiastuti with its prestigious Leaders for a Living Planet Award at an event coinciding with the conference.
Indonesia has more than 2.6 million fishermen, and 140 million Indonesians depend on marine and coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods.
Indonesia, with its abundant fishery potential, is the worlds second largest producer of wild-capture fish, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, close to 65 percent of Indonesias coral reefs are considered threatened from overfishing, while unreported and illegal fishing leads to some US$20 billion worth of lost revenue, according to the World Bank in 2015.
Between $75billion and $125 billion of global output annually goes waste due to ineffective fish stock management and illegal fishing.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
