KKP Releases Dozens of Captive-Bred Sharks

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) continues to strengthen the protection and recovery of fish species and aquatic biota populations through various integrated conservation programmes, ranging from captive breeding, rehabilitation, and ex-situ conservation to release into their natural habitats. This effort aims to maintain the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity while supporting the blue economy policy. One concrete step taken was the recent release of 25 Bamboo Sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum) from captive breeding and 5 Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) into their natural habitat in the South Thousand Islands Marine Conservation Area. Director of Species and Genetic Conservation at KKP, Sarmintohadi, stated that captive breeding and release are important instruments in supporting population recovery and maintaining marine ecosystem balance. “Conservation is not only carried out through habitat protection in nature, but also through rehabilitation, captive breeding, research, and education efforts that can support species population recovery while increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving aquatic biodiversity,” he said on Thursday, 18 June 2026. In addition to release programmes, KKP is also promoting the development of ex-situ conservation as a means of research, education, and species rescue. One such effort involves the introduction of the Pot-bellied Seahorse, which was donated by the YO-GYO Aquarium in Japan to BXSea as the holder of an Aquaria Fish Species Utilisation Permit (SIPJI). The presence of this species is expected to serve as an educational tool for the public regarding the importance of protecting marine species and responsibly managing aquatic biota. To strengthen the implementation of conservation programmes, KKP is collaborating with BXSea Oceanarium in the development of ex-situ conservation, rehabilitation of aquatic biota, species restocking, human resource capacity building, species data collection, and public education on marine conservation. Tina Santosa Hadisumarto, Director of PT Jaya Real Property Tbk, expressed hope that this collaboration would strengthen BXSea’s role as a conservation education facility that brings the public closer to various aquatic species and fosters awareness of the importance of preserving Indonesia’s aquatic biota. Through these various conservation programmes, KKP continues to strengthen the protection of fish species and aquatic biota as part of the implementation of the blue economy policy championed by Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. This policy places the health of marine ecosystems as the foundation for sustainable marine and fisheries development, ensuring that species and aquatic resources are preserved and provide benefits for current and future generations.