"This collaboration is in line with the government's vision to encourage a sustainable and competitive fishery industry," the ministry's Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products, Budi Sulistiyo, said in a statement on Sunday.
He said that an agreement has been signed and is expected to have a significant impact on fishery business players, especially those on a micro and small scale.
"At the same time, it will increase public awareness in choosing responsible fishery products," Sulistiyo added.
The two parties will collaborate to strengthen access and compliance with market standards for sustainable fishery products, followed by a campaign to raise awareness about the role of consumers in supporting sustainable fisheries.
The agreement also includes several strategic work plans, including supporting the provision of data and information related to marine mammal bycatch to meet US trade regulations related to the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA), as well as other market requirements.
This collaboration will also encourage capacity-building and competence among business actors in traceable and sustainable fishery product standards through coaching and mentoring activities for their businesses, Sulistiyo said.
"Other support includes fulfilling requirements for exporting captured shrimp to the United States, as well as developing sustainable livelihood programs for fishermen and fish farmers," he disclosed.
Meanwhile, WWF Indonesia representative Dewi Lestari Yani Rizki emphasized the importance of the involvement of various parties in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.
She said that this collaboration will be a strategic step in ensuring the implementation of good fisheries practices.
The agreement can also help Indonesian fishery products gain greater recognition in the global market as high-quality and sustainable products, she added.
The cooperation agreement will be valid from 2025 to 2030, with the possibility of extension based on an annual evaluation.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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