Teaching a country to fish sustainably
Launching a book on Sustainable Fisheries Management for Indonesia in Port Lincoln South Australia. Dr Paul McShane (Monash) and Mr Robert McKelleher Leader Australia Awards and Scholarships Indonesia (DFAT).
The Monash Sustainability Institute (MSI) is playing a crucial role in Indonesia’s fishing industries as the Indonesian government embarks on an ambitious capacity-building program of sustainable economic development.
Twenty-five managers from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries have recently completed a two-week course in Australia led by the MSI’s Dr Paul McShane.
The highly-regarded course included a visit from Jakarta-based Australian government representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The group travelled to Canberra where they received presentations from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the Department of Environment, the Department of Agriculture, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and Border Force. World best practice in spatial management of fisheries and supply chain management was demonstrated with state government consultation industry visits in Port Lincoln South Australia.
“We were delighted with the participation of the group,” Dr McShane said. “They represented diversity in geography (from Aceh to Papua) and responsibility (fisheries management, aquaculture, education, seafood processing, enforcement).
“There is a need for ongoing capacity building and institutional strengthening and there will many more opportunities to replicate this program.”
Indonesia has a projected shortfall of two million tonnes of seafood a year as its population grows, becomes more prosperous, and demands more seafood. It needs to tackle illegal fishing and improve its seafood product management. Pathways for sustainable enterprise development building on its rich aquatic resources and large labour force were a particular focus of Monash’s capacity building program.
A final workshop will be held in Batam, Indonesia early next year.
For further information contact Dr Paul McShane, Chief Research Officer, Monash Sustainability Institute paul.mcshane@monash.edu