Marine Capture Fisheries Research Articles

Nutrient composition of important fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes

Fish, in Bangladesh where malnutrition remains a significant development challenge, is an irreplaceable animal-source food in the diet of millions. However, existing data on the nutrient composition of fish do not reflect the large diversity available and have focused on only a few select nutrients. The purpose of this study was to fill the gaps in existing data on the nutrient profiles of common fish in Bangladesh by analysing the proximate, vitamin, mineral and fatty acid composition of 55 fish, shrimp and prawn species from inland capture, aquaculture and marine capture fisheries. When comparing species, the composition of nutrients of public health significance was diverse. Iron ranged from 0.34 to 19mg/100g, zinc from 0.6 to 4.7mg/100g, calcium from 8.6 to 1900mg/100g, vitamin A from 0 to 2503μg/100g and vitamin B12 from 0.50 to 14μg/100g. Several species were rich in essential fatty acids, particularly docosohexaenoic acid in capture fisheries species (86–310mg/100g). The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and infants was calculated. Seven species for PLW and six species for infants, all from inland capture, and all typically consumed whole with head and bones, could potentially contribute ≥25% of RNIs for three or more of these nutrients, simultaneously, from a standard portion. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species and in particular the rich nutrient composition of small indigenous species, which should guide policy and programmes to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Turning the tide on bottom trawling

Trawling is universally recognized as one of the most destructive fishing methods, causing irreversible damage through scraping large tracts of bottom habitats. These habitats then suffer from declines in ecosystem functions and services, and collapses in populations of trawled species. The plethora of studies on the unsustainable impacts of commercial trawling is widely acknowledged by the scientific community, but few findings have been translated to actual policy. High profile attempts to curb deep-sea trawling have failed in the recent past, e.g. proposed moratoriums on deep-sea bottom trawling at the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 and within the European Union in 2013. In light of the global inertia to sanction trawling, countries in the Asia-Pacific are making significant headway. Within one week in November 2014, two giants in marine capture fisheries announced expansions in national trawling regulations. From 2016, Malaysia will extend their trawling ban from 8 nautical miles (nm) to 15 nm from the shore, requiring trawl fishers to convert to alternative fishing gear (http://www.nst.com.my/node/48495). Indonesia effected an immediate moratorium on licences for large fishing trawlers (>30 GT), with plans to end fuel subsidies and renew efforts to tackle illegal fishing (http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/ 96371/indonesian-new-minister-vows-to-crack -down-upon-illegal-fishing). More recently, the moratorium was extended to a national ban on large trawlers starting in September 2015 (http:// www.medanbisnisdaily.com/news/read/2015/02/14/ 146904/kapal-besar-dilarang-pakai-trawl). Although trawling was largely banned throughout Indonesia in 1980 (Bailey, 1997), this ban faced enforcement difficulties and a lack of political will. By the 2000s, trawling was again permitted in certain areas and illegal trawling was rampant (REBYC-II CTI, 2010). Continued trawling at the current rate is untenable, and is presumably the impetus for renewed efforts to regulate this fishery. These measures in Malaysia and Indonesia, the complete ban on trawling in the territorial waters of Hong Kong (2012) and Palau (2006), and the announcement in December 2014 to permanently ban super trawlers in Australian waters (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/ dec/24/supertrawlers-to-be-banned-permanently -from-australian-waters), represent a significant advancement towards fisheries sustainability and marine conservation in the region. Asia-Pacific nations account for half of all global marine capture fishery production, with Indonesia ranking 5th (5.1%) and Malaysia 16th (1.5%) in global

Balloon effects reshaping global fisheries

The pressures of globalization have seldom proven conducive to sustainable resource management; marine capture fisheries are no exception. It has been convincingly argued that an uneven global governance landscape and the existence of untapped new frontiers for fisheries resources have historically caused a paradigm of serial depletion by so-called “roving bandits”. Here, it is suggested that marine resource exploitation has reached such a saturated state that few new frontiers exist, and that the paradigm of serial depletion will increasingly be replaced by balloon effects squeezing both licit and illicit fishing activities into areas of least statehood. Such trends will be most pronounced in highly migratory and straddling fisheries due to weak governance over areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), but is also likely to occur within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of weak states or small island states with vast marine territories. For decades, balloon effects have been the object of study in other disciplines, most notably international drug control and, more recently, carbon leakage. This body of knowledge represents a crucial resource for developing multi-level, holistic management interventions to prevent fisheries management challenges from simply being displaced from one area to another.

NansClim – climate effects on biodiversity, abundance and distribution of marine organisms

Human interference with the climate system is occurring, and climate change poses risks for human and natural systems (IPCC, 2014). In recent decades, changes in climate have caused impacts on natural and human systems on all continents and across the oceans. Evidence of climate-change impacts is strongest and most comprehensive for natural systems. Due to climate change projected by the mid 21st century and beyond, global marine-species redistribution and marine-biodiversity reduction in sensitive regions will challenge the sustained provision of fisheries productivity and other ecosystem services (IPCC, 2014). Spatial shifts of marine species due to projected warming will cause high-latitude invasions and high local-extinction rates in the tropics and semi-enclosed seas. Species richness and fisheries catch potential are projected to increase, on average, at mid and high latitudes and decrease at tropical latitudes (IPCC, 2014). The Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) is one of four Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems (EBUE), highly productive marine subregions. Although they comprise <2% of the global ocean area, they contribute nearly 7% of marine primary production and more than 20% of the world’s marine capture fisheries (IPCC, 2014). Catches in the EBUE are dominated by planktivorous species such as sardine, anchovy, and horse/jack mackerel, and piscivorous demersal species such as hake. Upwelling of nutrient-rich water stimulates primary production which is transferred to mid and upper trophic levels, resulting in substantial fish, seabird, and marine mammal populations. As a result, EBUEs are considered ‘hotspots’ of productivity and biodiversity. Previous research on the BCLME has had little emphasis on climate change. As with the other EBUEs, strong inter-annual and inter-decadal variability in physical oceanography makes it challenging to detect biophysical trends attributed to climate change. Nevertheless, the physical conditions of the BCLME are highly sensitive to climate variability over a range of scales. Despite its apparent sensitivity to environmental variability, there is limited evidence of ecological changes in the BCLME caused by climate change (IPCC, 2014). For example, pelagic fish, benthic crustaceans, and seabirds have demonstrated general shifts in distribution (IPCC, 2014). Even though much of the evidence on the recent climate change comes from remote sensing and outputs from coupled atmosphere-ocean models, it is necessary to link the global trends with local observations to detect the effects of this change on marine living resources in a regional context. In the BCLME region, the combined oceanographic and biodiversity database collected through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Nansen Programme is potentially a major source of local data covering climate change and its effect on marine resources in the last 30 yr. However, its contributions to the understanding of climate change effects on the BCLME are rather limited so far, since the huge amount of data collected under the programme has not been fully utilised. Based on data collected through the EAF Nansen programme, together with other relevant data, the NansClim project (2009–2014) was established to identify and describe possible trends and variability in ocean climate and corresponding changes in marine biodiversity and fisheries in the Benguela Current System. Observations of effects of climate variability on marine biota in the past, based on the Nansen database in combination with other data series available from the region, allowed NansClim to document some general responses concerning production and distribution of marine biota to set a baseline of observed effects of climate variability. Some of the species in the region are more poorly studied than others, and one of the tasks of the project was therefore to characterize the life cycle of such species which may be important indicators of future climate change.

Marine capture fisheries in the Arctic: winners or losers under climate change and ocean acidification?

AbstractClimate change, ocean acidification (OA) and the subsequent changes in marine productivity may affect fisheries and eventually the whole economy in the Arctic. We analysed how changes in climate and ocean pH under scenarios of anthropogenic CO2 emissions are likely to affect the economics of marine fisheries in the Arctic. We applied a Dynamic Bioclimate Envelope Model (DBEM) and outputs from four different Earth System Models (ESMs) to project future changes in the distribution and maximum catch potential of exploited marine fishes and invertebrates. We projected that total fisheries revenue in the Arctic region may increase by 39% (14–59%) by 2050 relative to 2000 under the Special Reports on Emission Scenario (SRES) A2. Simultaneously, total fishing costs, fishers’ incomes, household incomes and economy‐wide impacts in the Arctic are also projected to increase. Climate change with OA is expected to reduce the potential increases in catch and the economic indicators studied herein. Although the projections suggest that Arctic countries are likely to be ‘winners’ under climate change in comparison with tropical developing countries, the effects of OA will lower the expected future benefits in the Arctic. The predicted impacts are likely to be conservative as we consider only the direct effects of OA on fishes and calcifiers, of which there are only a few in the Arctic. Results of this study would be useful for designing effective adaptation strategies to climate change and measures to mitigate the potential negative impacts of OA in the Arctic.

Impacts of hegemony and shifts in dominance on marine capture fisheries

Catch data indicates that the world’s 25 largest marine capture fisheries have generally comprised some 40–50% of the total annual reported catch (1950–2012). From a game theory perspective, there is considerable diversity across these 25 fisheries, both in terms of the number of players and the management paradigms. Here, a dominance-oriented classification system is proposed, according to which fisheries are categorized into: (1) hegemonic systems with single-player dominance; (2) coupled systems with two-player dominance; (3) group systems with shared dominance; (4) systems with no dominant player. Among these categories, the fourth represents perhaps the greatest challenge to sustainable management, while also demonstrating the challenges of managing common pool marine ecosystem services in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). The survey and analysis highlights how hegemonic conditions tend to preclude the establishment of cooperative agreements irrespective of the number of players involved in the fishery. Shifts in dominance away from hegemony, as demonstrated most recently in the case of the highly migratory Pacific Saury, can open the door to greater cooperation. Movement of fish stocks and displacement of fishing activities, due for example to climate change, have the capacity to cause major shifts in dominance and, in some cases, destabilize existing cooperative mechanisms.

Development of closed seasons and areas in the Gulf of Thailand

Thailand has been placed in the top ten fisheries production countries in the world in marine capture fisheries. However, increasing demand for protein sources, together with the rapid development and improvement of fishing gear and fishing techniques has resulted in major stock reduction of the IndoPacific mackerel and some other commercially important pelagic species in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT). Therefore, the Department of Fisheries Thailand (Thai-DoF) planned to establish fisheries refugia or closed seasons and areas in some part of the Gulf of Thailand and prohibit some kinds of fishing gear. The DoF monitored the changes in status of aquatic resources and also the fishing methods with the aim at determining appropriate measures from time to time for sustainable use of pelagic species. In the past 60 years (1953-2013), Thai-DOF implemented a total of 13 fisheries management measures on the development of fishing gears and fishing techniques including “Gulf Closing” in the southern areas (Prachaup Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani) with the aim of conserving spawning and nursery areas of aquatic resources in the GoT. The measures for conserving IndoPacific mackerel were also used as a basis for formulation and development of other conservation measures. Cancellation and revision of these measures were also made from time to time according to the change of status of fisheries resources, and to effectively manage aquatic resources for sustainable exploitation. Available online at: www.mbai.org.in doi: 10.6024/jmbai.2014.56.1.01750s-11

Erratum to: Sustainable Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food Security and Nutrition: Policies Requirements and Actions

The important contributions made by fisheries and aquaculture, in meeting the world food and nutritional demands need to be comprehended and their sustainable management is imperative for food security and nutrition. According to the FAO report (FAO 2012), fisheries and aquaculture contributed around 16 % of animal protein intake and support to the livelihood of 10–12 % of the world population. Employment in the fisheries and aquaculture primary sector has continued to grow faster than employment in agriculture, so that by 2010 it represented 4.2 % of the 1.3 billion people economically active in the broad agricultural sectors worldwide, compared with 2.7 % in 1990. Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of food production in the world with tremendous annual growth rates of 8.8 % per year, having expanded by almost 12 times in the last three decades (1980–2010), providing now more than 40 % of the fish consumed worldwide, allowing to keep pace with the growing demand while capture fisheries are stagnating. However, the rapid development of aquaculture has come with associated environmental costs such as habitat degradation, disease and pollution. The inland capture fisheries sectors are threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species, landscape fragmentation, disruption of river flows by dams and overexploitation of upstream water resources. Most of the stocks of the top ten species, which account in total for about 30 % of world marine capture fisheries production are fully exploited and, therefore, have no potential for increases in production. Integrated aquatic resource management with multiple objectives to meet economic, social and biological goals adapting ecosystem approach is vital for the sustainable development, equity and efficiency. As a concept, a stabilised aquatic resource system aims to ensure that resource exploitation contributes to sustainability, inclusive social development and economic growth, while seeking to counter the notion that sustainability and growth are mutually exclusive.

Three Pillars of Fisheries Policy

AbstractThe causes of overfishing are reviewed along with deficiencies in top‐down input‐regulated fisheries management. An alternative is the three pillars of fisheries policy intended to ensure sustainable, economically viable fisheries and marine ecosystems. The first pillar are incentives that promote a long‐term interest in both fisheries and marine ecosystems; the second are targets that account for the bioeconomics of fisheries; and the third, adaptive management practices, especially marine protected areas, that promote resilience against ecosystem disturbances. Collectively, the three pillars offer a practical and proven combination to ‘turn the tide’ and help overcome the overexploitation prevalent in many of the world's marine capture fisheries.

Key Indicators' Socio-Economic Development of Marine Capture Fisheries

In this study, we developed several socio-economic indicators to be combined with biological and ecological indicators, which will be used to conduct an assessment/evaluation of ecosystem-based fisheries management fisheries. Socio-economic indicators that we developed consists of five socio-economic criteria which is considered as an important attribute of the process in a changing socio-economic structure. The fifth indicator is; production economics, business conditions, income levels, market conditions, and the level of employment. In establishing key indicators above, we first create a reference point for the evaluation of the indicators comprising, reference points, targets and limit reference points established through comparisons with other industries or other fish. So from the results penetapatan reference point, this study will apply the indicators that have been developed on marine fisheries catch in Lamongan district, so that the final results of this study will show how the management of marine fisheries in Lamongan we can discuss together.

View from the wheelhouse: Perceptions on marine management from the fishing community and suggestions for improvement

Marine capture fisheries are of global importance, supporting hundreds of millions of livelihoods and making a significant contribution to global food security. Yet many fisheries are at risk from unsustainable exploitation and fishing has caused significant detrimental impacts on the wider marine environment. The success of initiatives to improve marine management depends, at least partly, on fisher behaviour and there is a growing recognition of the need for increased fisher participation in planning and management. This study focuses on fishers׳ perceptions and attitudes towards marine and fisheries management, and explores how that knowledge can be used to improve future management strategies. One hundred and six fishers took part in a semi-structured questionnaire and mapping exercise. Fishers proved to be keen to participate, were candid in their responses and, contrary to common perception, were not opposed to regulations and management. Indeed, they acknowledged both to be essential for the long-term viability of the fisheries, and they expressed a need for tighter controls and better enforcement. Fishers did however feel that some of the current regulations and management measures were unjust, they expressed frustration with how hard it was for fishers to participate in the management decision making processes, and they were concerned that their representatives were not representative of the industry as a whole. Fishers expressed mixed feelings on MPAs; nevertheless, over half the fishers interviewed suggested that areas should be protected, and many supported some form of spatial restriction on mobile fishing gear. Fishers also reported both spatial and behavioural changes in their fishing as a result of rising fuel prices. Improved communication between fishers and managers was identified as key for enhancing participation. This study highlights some of the ways in which fisher participation could lead to more effective long-term solutions to marine and fisheries management problems.

Investigating Poverty through the Lens of Riches – Immigration and Segregation in Indian Capture Fisheries

This article argues that in the period since 1900 marine capture fisheries are more profitably characterised by a quest for wealth than by enduring poverty. Making use of country data from India, it maintains that the blue revolution that took place in the South not only retained a steadily growing fishing population, but also provided opportunities for large numbers of immigrants, mainly in the lower echelons of the industry. It subsequently investigates the variations between geographical regions and sub‐sectors, and explains them by reference to non‐governmental institutional control patterns.

Finding a balance between economic performance and capacity efficiency for sustainable fisheries: Case of the Da Nang gillnet fishery, Vietnam

Marine capture fisheries in Vietnam are small-scale, multi-species, multi-gear, and open access regime. Under numerous governmental promotion programs, Vietnamese fishing fleets have expanded at an uncontrollable rate. This research analyzes the economic performance and capacity efficiency of the Da Nang gillnet fishery. Data were obtained from 45 gillnetters in Da Nang using questionnaires, which were administered between April and July of 2011. The results showed that large-scale vessels (engine power≥90hp) had better economic performance than small-scale vessels (engine power<90hp) with average gross revenue flows of 1346.7 and 750.7 million VND, respectively. The large-scale vessels further actualized positive profits (15% gross revenue), while the small-scale vessels demonstrated negative results (−0.4% gross revenue). The main operating costs of fuel and labor accounted for 44% and 26%, respectively, of the total operating expenses. However, the results of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) showed that the Da Nang gillnet fishery did not operate at full capacity and that the unused capacity and the technical inefficiency rates were approximately 21.2% and 10.8%, respectively. The over-use of fuel, net sheets, and number of days at sea in the large-scale vessels were 7%, 10%, and 3%, respectively, while these ratios in the small-scale vessels were 7%, 3%, and 7%, respectively. Overcapacity may be separated into two parts, one part resulting from the optimal technical use of inputs and a second part resulting from enhancing the current policies. As such, feasible policies may include implementing the buyback of small and unprofitable vessels, and reviewing subsidy programs.

Some Issues of Consumer Preferences for Eco-labeled Fish to Promote Sustainable Marine Capture Fisheries in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract The fisheries sector in Malaysia is one of the main contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and fish products are a main source of food and protein for the Malaysian population. While domestic and international demand for fish and fish products are growing, marine capture fisheries are on the decline. This situation requires and urgent solution. This paper aims to discuss the possibility of eco-labeling as a tool to promote sustainable fisheries in Malaysia. Some serious concerns are price premiums, impacts of certification on prices of fish and consumers’ willingness to pay the price premium in order to obtain an eco-labeled fish. Other issues include high cost of certification, possible barrier for trade and non-suitability for multi-species fisheries. Eco-labeling in marine fisheries is quite of recent interest. Some studies have used willingness to pay (WTP) for eco-labeled marine capture fish to identify the factors influencing individuals to accept eco-labeled marine capture fish. The paper aims to answer the following questions: (1) what are the benefits of eco-labeling? (2) What is the status of the fishery sector in the country? (3) How will eco-labeling contribute to sustainability in fisheries in Malaysia?

Indonesia tuna fisheries development and future strategy

Tuna has made a significant contribution to Indonesian and world fisheries. Indonesian tuna fisheries were introduced from Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Longline fishing was introduced in 1962, and purse seine gear was first used in 1974. Many foreign vessels have reflagged to the Indonesian flag. The Indonesian government developed its own tuna fisheries and closed the chartering program in 2006. Through these efforts, Indonesia became the number one tuna production country in 2004 and has further targeted an increase in marine capture fisheries catch of 0.5%/year from 2010 to 2014. Tuna resources remain under pressure globally. The tuna regional fisheries management organizations attempt to manage tuna fisheries by strengthening conservation of stocks. To enhance international cooperation, Indonesia ratified the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1985 and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in 2005 and became a member of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna and a cooperating non-member of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in the 2000s. Consequently, Indonesia adopted domestic regulations to comply with management measures. For future sustainable development, Indonesia needs to build its capacity, improve its compliance with the tuna RFMOs’ conservation and management measures, strengthen data collection, develop its products to increase their quality and diversification, and enhance its international cooperation.

The market value of freshness: observations from the swordfish and blue shark longline fishery

One important component in determining the market value of fish is freshness, essentially the time period from capture to consumer. By shortening the time from harvest to landing, freshness can be improved and thus the market value may increase. The opportunistic nature of the marine capture fisheries sector, however, can encourage fishers to extend their time at sea to catch additional fish, while retaining already harvested fish. Here, fishers face a tradeoff: extending the duration of their operations, but compromising their ability to maintain product freshness. This study estimates the freshness premium for two fish species, swordfish and blue shark, landed at Kesennuma, Japan. Swordfish is generally destined for the raw market, while blue shark is first processed into several products. Our results suggest substantial heterogeneity in the freshness premium, depending on the likelihood of a product being consumed fresh or after processing. This work is an important investigation in the Kesennuma region, which suffered devastating damage from the tsunami following the Tohoku Earthquake.

Adaptation of fisheries and mariculture management to extreme oceanic environmental changes and climate variability in Taiwan

Abstract This study presents the response of fisheries management to the extreme climatic events that affect marine capture fisheries and mariculture in Taiwan. Two regional approaches that can be applied universally to help capture fisheries and mariculture adapt to extreme weather events are also proposed. In the winter of 2008, an anomalously strong and continuous northeasterly wind caused by a La Nina event drove the cold China Coastal Current southward to penetrate the southern Taiwan Strait, and a portion of this current intruded eastward to the southern Penghu Archipelago. The cold current intrusion appreciably damaged marine aquaculture and the wild fish population, causing the death of more than 73 t of wild fish and 80% of cage aquaculture fish at the Penghu Islands. This extremely cold seawater event occurred between late January and the beginning of February 2008. To recover fishery resources around the waters of Penghu, fishery-related agencies adapted recovery measures over 3 years starting in April 2008 that included hatchery juvenile release, environmental monitoring, fishery subsidies, and ecological field investigations. This study suggests that responding to extreme climatic influences on fisheries and mariculture should include (1) establishing an early warning system by connecting fisheries agencies and marine research institutions to assist decision makers in performing time-adaptive measures, (2) temporarily suspending fishing activities after the occurrence of a natural disaster to help recover fishery resources and ecosystems, (3) altering the governance of farming fishing right so that fish farmers can temporarily transfer their aquaculture cages from high-risk areas to waters outside the influence of extreme weather events, and (4) continually filing surveys to understand the recovery status of marine ecosystems.

Preface

The idea for ECOSEAS was conceived and evolved over a number of meetings between M. Munawar, President of the AEHMS, F. Md. Yusoff, then head of the Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, G. Nagaraj, FanLi Marine and Consultancy Sdn. Bhd., and N. A. M. Shazili, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, amongst several others.The major concern voiced at these meetings was that while little was known of the dynamics of ecosystem health in the tropics, from a regional as well as global perspective, these waters were incredibly important economic assets to the littoral nations that surrounded them, supporting transportation, supplying food, and providing employment. Sustaining hundreds of thousands in marine capture fisheries and marine based recreation alone, tropical marine ecosystems have become a cornerstone of the coastal economies of these countries, making whole communities, and by extension the nations of which they are a part, totally dependent on the health of their respective coastal environments.In addition, the same tropical coastal environments have important ecological values that fundamentally mediate the health of coral reefs, sea grasses and mangroves. Globally endangered animals such as marine turtles and marine mammals also co-habit their coastal waters, while many waterways support rich archaeological grounds.On the other hand, rapid economic development of these nations seriously compromised the ability of these ecosystems to provide goods and services that these communities have depended on, a situation which has arisen due to the lack of understanding of what these systems actually deliver to the communities and populations that depend on them. Thus, sustainability of ecosystem health is not just a biodiversity conservation issue, but is critical to ensure that it can continue to support the economy of coastal and related communities.In cognizance of this, ECOSEAS was advocated as a forum that could bring together research scientists, managers and users to network experience and knowledge in an effort to engender a broad spectrum of activity in tropical coastal environments leading to a comprehensive and holistic approach to its management. The effort was not without its challenges.We are grateful to a great many parties who came forth in support, not the least of which was the National Oceanographic Directorate under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia who did not hesitate to underwrite many of the major costs, including printing of this special AEHM issue, which is gratefully acknowledged.The articles presented herein have been selected to reflect the vast spectrum of issues that need to be grappled with where ecosystem health of tropical marine waters is concerned. They are not an end in themselves, but works-in-progress. There is so much that needs to be done, and in the greater scheme of things, so little time to do them. Hopefully, this maiden effort will catalyze the kind of long term imperatives that are necessary.Convenors:F. Md. Yusoff, M. Munawar, G. Nagaraj, and N. A. M. Shazili

Pengembangan Model Simulasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Ikan Berkelanjutan

Stock assessment studies of Sardinella Lemuru Bali strait indicate overfishing. The growth of fishing vessel numbers result on fish biomass stock reduction. Sustainable fishery management in overfishing area can be done by limiting number of fishing effort. There are three kinds of methods approach on determine number of fishing effort and total allowed catch (1) Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), (2) Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) and (3)Maximum Social Yield (MScY). Sustainable fishery has three main aspect as its indicators; ecology, economic and social. This research attempts to simulate three kinds of methods to the indicators of sustainable fishery (1) biomass fish stock as ecological aspect, (2) profit of purse seine fishing vessel as economical aspect and (3) numbers of fishers involved in the business of marine capture fishery represents social aspect. System dynamic method and powersim software are used in simulation model. Simulation output shows that fish biomass stock can be maintain in sustainable level by applied fishery policy. Limiting number of fishing effort create balancing between fish stock natural growth and fish harvest. This policy starts to apply on year 2010 in simulation model and run until 2030 to forecast future condition of fish biomass stock.

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Fisheries activity has increased significantly in number. As a result, we might see high investment in fisheries is due to the high demand for fish and fisheries products. Therefore, marine resources as well as other living resources are at risk in being harmed by excessive fisheries activities, for example: the use of trawl. Indonesia, as a Maritime State, need to impose sustainable fisheries because the principle of utilizing sustainable fisheries resources as adopted in the Law on Fisheries (Law No. 31 Year 2004 as amended by Law No. 45 Year 2009) to control fishery activities.Fishery activities are regulated not only by the Law on fisheries but also international regulation adopted worldwide such as the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF). CCRF was prepared to include primary principles to elaborate the mechanism of fishery activities which is designated not to cost harmful damages in fisheries activities. CCRF is also accompanied by several technical guidelines that provide certain procedures to be applied to (1) fishing operations; (2) the precautionary approach as applied to capture fisheries and species introductions; (3) integrating fisheries into coastal area management; (4) fisheries management; (5) aquaculture development; and (6) inland fisheries. Consequently, CCRF is intended to cover any kind of fishery anywhere in the world not just marine capture fisheries, but also freshwater fisheries as well as aquaculture both marine and freshwater aquaculture. Excessive fishery activities would then not be harmful if Indonesia is willing to impose regulation which is significantly and effectively to manage these kind of fishery activities. Along with the fact that Indonesia is recognized as a Marine State, there is no reason to hold back in addressing this situation.