ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries continues to strengthen efforts to protect the critical habitat of sharks and rays in the country. This is in line with one of the Marine and Fisheries blue economy programs, namely expanding marine conservation areas.
“Currently, of the 118 conservation areas that have been designated by the KKP, 28 areas with an area of 5.75 million hectares are conservation areas with sharks and rays as the conservation target fish species,” said Director General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management Victor Gustaf Manoppo at the event. 4th National Shark and Ray Symposium at the University of Indonesia Depok.
Victor also emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to protecting and preserving sharks and rays through various policies and initiatives. These policies include, among others, establishing conservation areas, determining protection status and regulating trade through the international convention for trade in endangered species (CITES).
“Conservation of sharks and rays is considered strategic for preserving the ecosystem considering their high level of utilization both as target fisheries and by-catch. “For this reason, conservation efforts include protecting habitat and regulating its use,” said Victor.
On this occasion, Victor hopes that the results of research and data collection on critical shark and ray habitats collected during the symposium can be recommended as target areas for expanding marine conservation areas which is one of the Maritime and Fisheries priority agendas for the blue economy.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Dede Djuhana, said that limited data regarding critical habitats, the lack of experts in shark and ray taxonomy and efforts to integrate the human dimension in shark and ray conservation are challenges in the academic world.
“The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, through the Marine Science Master’s Study Program, Department of Biology, Center for Marine Studies and other related study programs and research centers, encourages the interest of students and teaching staff to develop various studies related to sharks and rays and strives to increase public awareness and knowledge regarding the important role of sharks. and rays in marine ecosystems as part of community service,” said Dede.
In the same forum, WWF-Indonesia Marine and Fisheries Program Director Imam Musthofa Zainudin added that the results of the shark and ray symposium would become a reference for WWF-Indonesia in supporting the blue economy program implemented by the Indonesian Government, especially in reducing threats and protecting critical shark habitat. pari in the conservation area expansion scheme in Indonesia.
“This also contributes to the Indonesian Government’s commitment at the global level to have 30% of marine conservation areas by 2045 – ’30-by-45″,” added Imam.
Meanwhile, USAID Indonesia Deputy Mission Director Erin Nicholson emphasized that the United States, through USAID, is proud to be able to support the Indonesian Government in marine protection.
“USAID is committed to continuing to support Indonesia in maintaining marine biodiversity and ensuring that marine ecosystems are protected and managed well for the benefit of all Indonesian people,” concluded Erin.
The 4th National Shark and Ray Symposium with the theme “Critical Habitat for Sharks and Rays: Managing Emerging Challenges through Mitigation Strategies, Population Recovery and Human Dimension Integration” was organized by Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in collaboration with the Center for Marine Studies, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, the Conservation Foundation Indonesia, WWF Indonesia and USAID Collective. The symposium which was held for two days succeeded in collecting more than 100 papers. (AT Network)
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