"I am convinced that what we are doing now is right. The economic parameters are very remarkable. We see that the fight against illegal fishing is a profitable war," Susi said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti received a global maritime honor "the Peter Benchley Ocean Award" at the Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC, United States, on Thursday (May 11) night.

"I am convinced that what we are doing now is right. The economic parameters are very remarkable. We see that the fight against illegal fishing is a profitable war," Minister Susi said in remarks while receiving the award as stated in a press statement received here on Friday.

The minister further said the award had convinced her that the fight against illegal fishing was appropriate.

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry had implemented various marine and fisheries development policies in Indonesia covering the pillars of sovereignty, sustainability, and prosperity.

The policies include the eradication of illegal fishing, introducing minimum catch sizes for certain species, and banning the use of harmful fishing gear that threatens the environment,

Minister Susi also said that several published policies have been studied in depth and calculated carefully.

"The policy was made and calculated carefully. The policy creates extraordinary results," she said.

Although the minister faces some pressure when deciding a policy, she will make the sea as the future of the nation consistently.

"President Joko Widodo supports the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries efforts in combating illegal fishing," she concluded.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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