Young Leaders Take the Stage at Tuna Talks 2024: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Fisheries with Innovation in Facing Climate Crisis

As a platform for discussion, collaboration and progress in the field of tuna fisheries management, Tuna Talks 2024 was successfully held at the FX Lifestyle Center, Jakarta. This event was held in line with the global community's efforts towards sustainable practices in marine resource management and the importance of effective tuna fisheries management. Tuna Talks events were also attended by a number of scientists, practitioners and students to facilitate forums related to sustainable tuna fisheries management.

Following the landmark launch of the Tuna Harvest Strategy in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters (WPP713, 714, and 715) on World Oceans Day 2023, substantial strides have been made towards advancing the sustainability and fairness of tuna fisheries. Critical components of this strategy include spatial closure, quotas, Total Allowable Catches (TAC), and Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) management, all aimed at bolstering ocean health through enhanced scientific understanding, research, and technological innovation. Building upon the wealth of experience garnered from the development and implementation of the Tuna Harvest Strategy from 2014 to 2023, Tuna Talks serves as a momentum guiding future tuna management policies. Aligning with the new quota based fisheries policy, Penangkapan Ikan Terukur  to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to tuna fisheries management.

“Blue Economy is the efficiency of managing natural resources rather than unlimited exploitation, a balanced benefit that covers both social and economic aspects and managing ecological sustainability and biodiversity. This concept drives the implementation of Quota and Fishing Zones Sustainable Fisheries (Penangkapan Ikan Terukur)," said Trian Yunanda, Secretary of Capture Fisheries, MMAF when he was the main speaker at Tuna Talks 2024.

Tuna Talks 2024 gathered an enriching forum for scientists, practitioners and students from Fisheries Polytechnic Jakarta, Jembrana (Bali) and Sorong (Papua). Through this platform, undergraduate students or fisheries cadets present their ideas of fishing gears, climate change and green businesses related to tuna capture fisheries. This five-hour talk facilitated the exchange of experiences, research findings and best practices, from 13 speakers who fostered a collaborative environment conducive to sustainable tuna fisheries management.

The students who attended as speakers presented material regarding the sustainability of tuna fisheries. Bagas Prakoso from Jakarta Technical Fisheries University presented his research “Temporal Analysis of Productivity for Tuna and Cakalang”. Apart from that, a final year student from Jembarana, Bali Putu Dellonik Regia Purwanasa, Students of Seafood Processing presented "Climate Change, Human Population & Tuna Stocks" responding to the current climate crisis issue related to food and sustenance due to the demographic bonus.

Not only final year students, Hermawan a first-year student from North Konawai, Southeast Sulawesi also participated in emphasising Tuna Business, as the epiphany of Blue Economy for economic value. Renaldo Fredly Rumaherang from Sorong-West Papua, a cadet of Fisheries Engineering, invented a hook of 2mm stainless steel and 80 cm consisting of a row of ropes for handline fisheries for more effective and efficient fishing for the small-scale fishers in his area.

The speakers explored various aspects of implementing the Tuna Harvest Strategy in Indonesia Archipelagic Waters, offering insights from diverse perspectives including market dynamics, industry considerations, and supervision and monitoring efforts. By bringing together key stakeholders, Tuna Talks underscores the importance of collective action in achieving shared goals of sustainability and equality in the tuna industry. "Let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in human resources to create a future where the oceans are full of life, our communities are prosperous, and our sovereignty is protected for future generations," said I Nyoman Radiarta, Head of Marine and Fisheries Extension at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries strengthen the narrative.

Indonesia Tuna Consortium Phase II, along with its five members: Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI), Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Fair Trade USA and Marine Change through Association of Purse Seine Indonesia framed the talk with their research, findings and approach to the 2,5 years journey of supporting the Government of Indonesia as strategic partner for sustainable tuna fisheries management. “At Tuna Talks 2024, we understand that the future of tuna isn't solely measured in fish stocks but also in human capital. Recognizing the pivotal role of skilled individuals, we're fostering a community where knowledge, innovation, and passion converge to safeguard tuna and shape a sustainable future for everyone.” Thilma Komaling, Strategic Lead of Indonesia Tuna Consortium concluded. This collaborative endeavour is aligned with the objectives of the Indonesia Tuna Year 2024 program, further solidifying our commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable tuna sector.