MSC supports strengthening of Indonesian tuna data with BRIN and AP2HI

The global non-profit organisation Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is supporting the strengthening of Indonesian tuna data through joint research with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI) to promote sustainable skipjack tuna management. MSC Indonesia Programme Director Hirmen Syofyanto stated that effective fisheries management requires robust data, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and long-term commitment from all parties. This support is realised through a research project titled ‘Improving the Reliability of Operational Catch and Effort Data to Support Harvest Strategy of Skipjack Tuna in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters’, launched in Cibinong, Bogor Regency. Hirmen said the project is expected to produce data and insights that can support decision-making for skipjack tuna management in Indonesia. The research focuses on enhancing the reliability of catch and effort data by strengthening operational monitoring systems, using e-logbooks, placing enumerators on vessels, and developing stock abundance indices. AP2HI CEO Janti Djuari said strengthening the quality of operational data is key to enabling more accurate skipjack tuna stock assessments. ‘With accurate data, the Harvest Strategy policies adopted will be far more effective, objective, and capable of protecting fishermen’s livelihoods while preserving marine ecosystem sustainability,’ she said. Head of the Biota System Research Centre at BRIN’s Life and Environmental Research Organisation, Decky Darmawan, said the collaboration demonstrates a research commitment based on the needs of society and industry. He noted that the tuna fisheries sector plays an important role in the national economy and the welfare of coastal communities, thus requiring strong data and research support. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest tuna producers. Therefore, strengthening the quality of fisheries data is considered important to support a sustainable skipjack tuna management strategy. Through the Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF), MSC has channelled approximately £540,000 in funding in Indonesia since 2020 to support sustainable fisheries development and capacity building in the marine sector.