Training of Trainers Towards Sustainable Tuna Fisheries
In supporting Indonesia’s effort to improve sustainable fishing practices as well as a work towards obtaining Marine Stewardship Council certification, Asosiasi Pole&Line and Handline Indonesia (AP2HI) initiated the Training of Trainers (ToT) scheme or fisheries that catch tuna with eco-friendly pole-and-line and handline fishing gears. The ToT which lasted for three days from 19th-21st August 2015, took place at Pelabuhan Perikanan Samudera (PPS) in Bitung, North Sulawesi.
This training was given to managers of AP2HI’s members companies who would then become a trainer for fishermen to improve their capabilities when fishing with pole-and-line and handline. The participants received materials and guidance in how to be a good trainer, the status of sustainable tuna fisheries management and policies in Indonesia, the safety procedures on board, baitfish utilization, how to maintain the quality of the catch so that the condition of the fish is still fresh and how to handle the bycatch included the ETP (Endangered, Threatened and Protected) species.
“We are well aware that the tuna fishing industry in Indonesia has a big potential, especially in the national economy , to deliver prosperity for the fishing community, so we hope that this training can improve the knowledge and skills of pole-and-line and handline fishers which will have positive impacts on the high quality of fish products itself, while maintaining the sustainability” says Ahmad Isa, Coordinator ToT at AP2HI.
Ahmad Isa added “Overall, these activities involved 12 participants from 12 different AP2HI’s member companies who will share the knowledge with their fishermen.”
Generally, participants were keen to apply what they had learnt in the ToT workshop and train their fishermen. The participant’s for future actions plans included: training in best practices in fish on board handling training, in handling fish with new methods and trips to visit the Maldivian one-bye one fisheries or AP2HI members that are already excellent in fish handling.
This training activity was initiated by AP2HI in cooperation with the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) and with support from AP2HI’s partners such as Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI), Pelabuhan Perikanan Samudra (PPS) Bitung (DJPT-MMAF), Center for Fisheries Education and Training (BPPP) Aertembaga Bitung (BPSDM-MMAF) and Center for Fisheries Education and Training (BPPP) Tegal (BPSDM-MMAF).
Written by: Kirana Agustina
