Preface

Abstract

With an area that comprises 92.4% ocean (658,312 km2) and only 7.6% land (54,168 km2), and one of the longest coastlines in Indonesia, activities in archipelagic Maluku Province have an inevitable, strong focus on marine resources and maritime activities. Indeed, as these sectors are fundamental to livelihoods, they are also central to planning and development from economic, social, environmental, cultural, legal and defence perspectives.Most (99%) of the 1340 islands in Maluku are small and so the development and management approaches adopted elsewhere in the nation need to be carefully assessed before being implemented here. Interdisciplinary, integrated and comprehensive research on marine ecosystems, and the needs of the population, is required to ensure that the Province’s marine resources are managed effectively and sustainably. The intention of the First Maluku International Conference of Marine Science and Technology (MICMST1) was to provide the opportunity for researchers from all over the world to meet in Ambon to share their knowledge of marine science and technology with a view to helping the Province develop a framework for the sustainable management of its marine resources.As Chairs of the conference we were honoured to welcome over 200 people from 12 countries, and 15 Indonesian Provinces, to Ambon. Delegates enjoyed the hospitality of Ambon and the Santika Hotel with its spectacular views over Inner and Outer Ambon Bay, which also provided the geographical and scientific setting for many of the research presentations during the conference. The conference talks covered a wide range of topics including marine science, marine technology, fishery stocks and fisheries management, marine tourism, and maritime health. In addition, participants were informed about strategic objectives and National priorities by departmental heads from Jakarta.‘Health’ was a strong theme emerging from the conference – encompassing pollution resulting from an increasing population and changes in land-use, the status of fisheries resources, essential habitats and stocks, and the welfare of people that make their living from the sea. Importantly, the presentations highlighted the ability of local research institutions and researchers to deliver quality data to support evidence-based decision-making about resource sustainability and the importance of customary law in helping to achieve workable management solutions. However, they also highlighted the need for better integration of these data into decision-support systems and policy development, as well as clearer articulation of how current research activities align with National and provincial priorities.The meeting provided great opportunities for engagement outside the formal conference setting and participants enjoyed the opportunity to see some of Ambon’s best scenery, both above and below the water, and sample some of its legendary food and music.We sincerely thank all participants for sharing their knowledge, insights and friendship and look forward to welcoming everyone to the next symposium in the series, MICMST2, in Ambon, Indonesia, in 2020.Cordially yoursGino V. Limmon and Stephen D. A. Smith