AP2HI Supports Transparency of Tuna Fisheries with Onboard Observer Scheme

JAKARTA – In the first week of November 2015, Asosiasi Perikanan Pole&Line dan Handline Indonesia (AP2HI) succeeded in placing an observer on a one-by-one tuna fishing vessel owned by PT. Aneka Sumber Tata Bahari located in Ambon, Indonesia. The Asosiasi Perikanan Pole&Line dan Handine Indonesia (AP2HI) onboard observer scheme brings the Indonesian one-by-one fishery one step closer towards obtaining MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, a globally recognized seafood certification body. Achieving this certification will provide Indonesian one-by-one tuna fisheries access to the international market for eco-label certified seafood – which is particularly prevalent in America and European Union (UN).

“Placing an observer on one of our member organization’s one-by-one tuna vessels indicates how serious AP2HI is in supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly tuna fisheries, and reducing IUU fishing,” said Tita Nopitawati, Coordinator of Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), AP2HI.

The observers provide independent information about fishing operations, monitoring vessel compliance with national fisheries regulations and informing fisheries science. Following a successful first week of the observer scheme, when three pole-and-line vessels were successfully monitored, the scheme will continue to be conducted on other one-by-one tuna vessels owned by PT. Bintang Mandiri Bersaudara in Bitung and PT. Radios Apirja Sorong located in Sorong, West Papua. This is a way for industries to demonstrate that they obey the government law and are commitment to building a sustainable and traceably supply chain, in order to achieving international eco-label certification.

Tita Nopitawati also said that, “This year AP2HI has been working closely with the Sub Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation of Fish Resources MMF on the existing regulation and function of the observer.”

The existing regulation (formally known as Permen KP No. 1 / PERMEN-KP / 2013) states which vessels are obliged to have an onboard observers; all Indonesian flagged fishing vessels measuring >30 GT operating in Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (WPP-NKRI), that capture fish on the high seas and are already enrolled in RFMOs should have an observer onboard. Going forward, AP2HI will continue to strengthen this collaboration with the Government of Indonesia by applying this regulation. AP2HI will also enhance cooperation with its members in order to improve management of sustainable and environmentally friendly tuna fisheries.

Written by: Mila