Marine Resource Conservation for Sustainable food security in Indonesia

Abstract

This paper examines the local wisdom of fishing groups on local marine resource conservation for sustainable food security. Pariaman is a region of coastal areas and have small islands tend to have limited agricultural resources and access to food from outside. The problem that forced a fishing community to commit acts of adjustment so that the food needs can be met sustainably. Data were collected from a small number of fishing households in the village of Pariaman Tengah in Pariaman city, using mainly qualitative research methods. At the village, traditional fishing areas have been properly benefited by local fishermen. Together with the government, they have conserved the area, where sea turtles, some species of finfish, coral reefs are protected. It was found that the local wisdom use consists of determining the season of fishing, making traditional fishing gear and sustainable food security for the household. They have the local wisdom for resource conservation are using no harmful gears, a commitment not to catch and kill the turtles and commitment not to throw rubbish into the sea. Based on these results, it can be concluded that fish as a critical food source by fishing groups in ensuring sustainable food security system in agricultural production systems, distribution, and food consumption. Industrial fisheries can also contribute to the food security and nutrition of the poor in Pariaman fishing groups, especially when they favor the wide commercialization of cheap, easily stored and transported nutritious pelagic fish such as sardine, pilchard, herring, anchovy or even tuna. Over the years, indirectly to food security through employment creation where legislation to protect decent working conditions is in place become a tradition.