"We want the fishery sector to grow, but at the same time sustainable. That is more important," Susi said in a ceremony on Reflection 2018 and Outlook 2019 at the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry here on Monday.
She said sustainable policy such as being practice in capture fishery is in line with at the policy of President Joko Widodo.
Based on data at the Ministry, the country`s fishery production rose from 5.36 million tons in the first nine months of 2015 to 5.64 million tons in 2016 and to 6.24 million tons in 2018 in the same period.
"The GDP growth in the fishery sector shows the policy of the Ministry is not likely beatable," Susi said.
The Minister said normally production of capture fish is higher in the last quarter of a year.
More over it is possible that 30-40 percent of the production is not officially reported as it is believed there is still transshipment in the sea, she said.
She said the government is set to ban the operation of foreign fishing ships in the country`s sea territory as without foreign fishing ships the country already recorded an increase in production.
Secretary General of the Ministry Nilanto Perbowo said the capture fish production in the first nine months of 2018 grew 4.19 percent from the same period last year.
"Fish production has continued to rise," Nilanto said, adding, therefore, the people are expected to choose locally produced fish over imported fish for consumption.
He said there are additives found in imported fish.
He also noted increase in the country`s production of aquaculture fish such as gurami, catfish, patin, shrimps and nila.
The production of aquaculture from seaweed is reported declining as many seaweed centers have been damaged by mud and deaease as a result of the climate change.
"Change in weather caused significant change in the temperature and salinity, that results in outbreak of disease," he said.
Reporting by Muhammad Razi Rahman
Editing by Sri Haryati
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
