MSC and USK Discuss Eco-Label for Sustainable Fisheries in Aceh
Bogor (ANTARA) - Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Indonesia, together with Syiah Kuala University (USK), discussed the implementation of eco-labelling to support sustainable fisheries management in Aceh through a guest lecture and training event at the Faculty of Marine and Fisheries (FKP) USK.
MSC Indonesia Programme Director Hirmen Syofyanto, in a statement received in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday, explained that he attended in person as a speaker alongside Fishery Manager for Indonesia & Southeast Asia Anthony Alvin at the event titled “Eco-Labelling Approach in Sustainable Fisheries Management in Indonesia and Globally” held at the FKP USK Auditorium in Banda Aceh City.
The event was open to the public and also broadcast live via the YouTube channel of the Fisheries Resource Utilisation Study Programme, thereby reaching a wider audience.
Hirmen stated that Aceh has significant fisheries resource potential, necessitating strong understanding of sustainable fishing practices starting from the university environment.
“Aceh has substantial fisheries resource potential; collaboration with Syiah Kuala University is part of our efforts to strengthen understanding of sustainable fishing practices from the lecture hall bench,” said Hirmen.
He added that students play a crucial role as agents of change in driving the transformation of Indonesia’s fisheries sector to be more responsible and sustainable.
In the workshop, MSC highlighted the eco-labelling approach as an instrument to ensure marine resource sustainability, while also enhancing transparency and accountability in the global fisheries supply chain.
The materials presented covered the main principles of the MSC standard, global market dynamics for sustainable fisheries products, and opportunities and challenges of its implementation in Indonesia.
The MSC standard itself emphasises three main principles: fish stock sustainability, protection of marine ecosystems, and effective fisheries governance to ensure responsible fishing practices.
Vice Dean of FKP Syiah Kuala University Nur Fadli stated that the collaboration with MSC aligns with the campus’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 on the conservation of marine resources.
“Through this event, we hope that students not only understand the concept of sustainable fisheries but are also able to make real contributions to preserving marine ecosystems, especially in the Aceh region,” said Nur Fadli.
The interactive discussion during the workshop demonstrated high enthusiasm from participants in understanding the implementation of eco-labelling and its relevance to the local context in Aceh.
MSC has been running programmes in Indonesia since 2019 through various initiatives, from supporting Fisheries Improvement Programmes, strengthening stakeholder capacity, to developing the domestic market to promote more sustainable fishing practices.