Dr Riyanto Coaches Crab and Shrimp Fishermen in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau

IPB University lecturer from the Department of Fishing Management and Technology (PSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK), Dr Mochammad Riyanto together with Yayasan Pesisir Lestari (YPL) and Yayasan Mitra Insani (YMI) conducted mentoring activities for shrimp and crab fishermen in Sapat Village, Indragiri Hilir Regency. 

Recently, Dr Riyanto socialized the profile of shrimp fisheries in Sapat waters at the Pesud Fishermen Group Hall in Parit 18. The socialization was attended by fishermen, representatives from YPL and YMI, and the Indragiri Hilir Regency Fisheries Service. 

"The mentoring program has been carried out since 2021, starting with data collection of crab and shrimp catches. Apart from data collection, there is also a mangrove forest improvement program and management of crab fishing areas through a temporary closure program for crab fishing in an area of 22 hectares in Sapat Village," said Dr Riyanto.

During the socialization, Gian as YMI's fisheries coordinator talked about the importance of shrimp fisheries profile as a material for shrimp management in Indragiri Hilir. On that occasion, Dr Riyanto also explained shrimp fisheries management and fishermen's awareness on the use of environmentally friendly shrimp fishing gear. 

The head of Pesud Fishermen Group welcomed this coaching program, and during the assistance, fishermen have felt the benefits. Before the coaching program was conducted, fishermen used poison to catch fish and shrimp which caused damage to fish resources and the environment.

Currently, fishermen no longer use poison in catching fish. The results have begun to be felt by fishermen after the temporary closure, fishermen get more shrimp catches.

Indra, a representative of the Indragiri Hilir Fisheries Service, also expressed his appreciation. He stated that the magnitude of the benefits that have been felt by fishermen makes this program worth continuing. (*/Rz) (IAAS/TNY)