IPB University Researchers Present Findings on the Impact of ALDFG in Merauke and the Arafura Sea

The Arafura Sea is known as one of the most productive fishing grounds in Indonesia. However, this enormous potential is now overshadowed by serious problems caused by abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG).

Dr Mochammad Riyanto, a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, presented his findings on the condition of ALDFG in Merauke and Dobo, Arafura Sea.

“We found various types of lost or discarded fishing gear, ranging from gillnets to fish traps. This has resulted in a decline in fish populations, habitat destruction, and even conflicts between fishermen,” said Dr Riyanto at the Strategic Planning Workshop on ALDFG Management in Makassar (10/2).

He said that ALDFG not only damages the marine ecosystem, but also causes social and economic problems for coastal communities. “ALDFG is not just a technical fisheries issue, but also concerns ecological, social, and economic aspects,” he said.

Environmentally, ALDFG can cause ghost fishing, or the accidental capture of fish by fishing gear that is no longer controlled by humans. This, said Dr Riyanto, will threaten the sustainability of fish stocks and damage marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.

From a social perspective, the existence of ALDFG can trigger conflicts between fishermen, especially when lost fishing gear damages the gear belonging to other fishermen. Meanwhile, economically, fishermen have to bear the losses due to the loss of fishing gear and a decline in catches.

“Therefore, a data-driven approach is crucial in formulating ALDFG management policies. Field surveys and community involvement are key to understanding the dynamics of ALDFG more comprehensively,” he concluded.

A total of 47 participants attended from the Ministry of Environment (KLH), Regional Technical Implementation Units (UPT), the Marine and Fisheries Service (DKP) of Maluku Province, Central Papua, South Papua, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, and local fishermen.

The workshop, initiated by Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), produced a number of strategic recommendations. These recommendations include strengthening regulations on ALDFG reporting and handling; increasing fishermen’s capacity in the use of environmentally friendly and easily traceable equipment; developing an ALDFG database in the Arafura Sea; and cross-sector collaboration between the government, academics, NGOs, and the community. (*/dh/Rz) (IAAS/NVA)