Indonesia, flaunting the world’s second-longest coastline, is a treasure trove of marine fishery resources. A 2022 estimate from the Indonesian Commission for Fish Stock projects a whopping 12.01 million tons of fish that could fuel the expansion of capture fisheries.
On a global scale, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data for 2022 cements Indonesia’s status as the second-largest fish producer worldwide, right after China.
However, beneath this veneer of potential lies a tapestry woven with challenges—overexploitation of fishery resources, habitat degradation, and susceptibility to global environmental shifts.
Professor Suadi, an esteemed figure in social, economic fisheries and marine sciences at UGM, delved into these challenges during his professorial speech titled “Management of the Multifunctionality of Capture Fisheries for Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods,” at the UGM Senate Hall on Thursday (Dec. 28).
“In many ways, fisheries are not just about catching fish; they are about sustaining livelihoods, preserving ecosystems, and weaving the intricate fabric of coastal communities,” Professor Suadi remarked.
“Understanding this multifunctionality is key to navigating the challenges and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between human activities and the marine environment.”
The essence of his discourse revolves around the concept of the multifunctionality of fisheries. This involves acknowledging that fisheries yield commodity outputs (such as fish or aquatic food) and non-commodity outputs.
Professor Suadi underscores that grasping this multifunctionality is pivotal for sustainability, offering a lens that considers the broader role of fisheries in ecosystems and societies.
Recognizing the multifunctionality of fisheries, he contends, can guide comprehensive and sustainable management practices.
In resource management, Professor Suadi advocates for understanding the multifunctionality of fisheries to shape effective management strategies. He outlines strategic initiatives to propel fisheries management rooted in multifunctionality, with policy-making leading the charge.
He suggests that policies should not merely chase increased yields and profits but also weigh environmental sustainability, social justice, cultural heritage, and regional development.
Encouraging sustainable practices is another pillar of this multifunctional approach. Fishermen are urged to adopt practices that boost production and promote awareness of maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
“Incentives for environmental conservation practices can serve as robust levers, with fishery subsidies playing a vital role in supporting small-scale fisheries or less efficient technologies,” he said.
Moreover, recognizing that fisheries extend beyond mere food production, Professor Suadi calls for rural development. Investments in villages, infrastructure, health, education, and cultural preservation are crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted functions of fisheries.
He also advocates for robust research, development, and management efforts. Focusing on research that bolsters fisheries practices and technologies, aligning with multifunctional goals, is paramount.
He contends that such research outcomes provide holistic decision-making, planning, and management inputs. Availability of services that aid fisheries businesses should also be prioritized.
In his view, the ultimate aim is sustainable livelihoods along the coast. For fishermen, sustainable livelihoods encompass maintaining and enhancing assets, navigating stress and shocks, and unlocking diverse opportunities for sustained livelihoods.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Firsto