NTT Quarantine Authorities Seize 1.23 Tonnes of Shark Meat Lacking Certification
Kupang, NTT - The Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has detained 1.23 tonnes of shark meat intended for shipment from Kupang to Lombok because it was not accompanied by quarantine certificates.
“We have been holding the goods since yesterday because no quarantine certificates could be presented to us. Moving forward, the goods will be identified by the relevant authorities to determine whether this shark meat commodity is protected or has restricted usage,” said Apriana Santi Soeroso, Head of the NTT Quarantine Law Enforcement Team, in Kupang on Wednesday.
She explained that 1,230 kilograms of shark meat destined for Lombok were secured at Tenau Port, Kupang. The meat, packed in 13 packages, was seized because it lacked the necessary quarantine documentation.
The commodity was planned to be shipped via the KM Dharma Kartika 5. However, during the loading process on Tuesday (15/9), officers at Tenau Sea Port discovered the dozen packages near the ship’s entrance.
Officers subsequently coordinated with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) through the NTT Quarantine Office. The shark meat was then secured for further inspection.
NTT Quarantine is now coordinating with the Kupang Marine Management Office of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (BPK KKP) and the Kupang Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance Station (PSDKP).
Identification is required to determine the specific shark species and to establish the regulations regarding their use and distribution. BPK KKP stated that this process is a vital step in determining the subsequent handling of the commodity.
The identification process is not intended to complicate shipping activities, but rather to ensure that the use and distribution of shark products comply with applicable regulations.
Based on initial information received by NTT Quarantine from BPK KKP, the commodity includes products whose distribution is restricted.
“The information we received from BPK KKP indicates that this commodity is subject to distribution restrictions. Therefore, the detained goods will be handed over to the Marine Resources Surveillance Station for the identification process in accordance with applicable regulations,” said Apiment.
As such, it cannot yet be confirmed whether the meat originates from a protected shark species. A final determination is pending the identification process by the authorised agencies.
Meanwhile, the Head of NTT Quarantine, Simon Soli, expressed appreciation for the inter-agency coordination in monitoring the movement of marine commodities.
According to him, collaboration is essential to ensure that trade and shipping activities continue without neglecting regulations and efforts to preserve marine resources.
“I urge the public and business actors who intend to transport animal, fish, or plant products to ensure that all requirements are met so that their business processes do not encounter obstacles,” said Simon.
The shark meat has since been handed over to the Kupang PSDKP Station to undergo the identification and handling process in accordance with applicable regulations.