Innovation in the blue economy and environmental sustainability in marine and fisheries strategy

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia has introduced its blue economy framework to promote sustainable use of marine and fishery resources while ensuring ecosystem protection. This study investigates five major programs initiated by the Ministry that concentrate on ecological sustainability and the effective use of Indonesia's marine biodiversity: expanding marine conservation areas, implementing a quotabased fisheries system, monitoring coastal and small island regions, advancing sustainable aquaculture, and addressing marine plastic pollution. This study focuses on the application of the Ministry's fisheries Blue Economy initiatives, seeking to establish future strategies derived from the experiences accumulated during two years of operation. METHODS: To assess the implementation of these key initiatives, participatory approaches, including focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and key informant interviews, were utilized to gather insights into program implementation experiences and lessons learned. In-person interviews were performed utilizing a blend of closed and open-ended questions. The focus was on key informants, which comprised representatives from four Directorate Generals, seven unit coordinators, non-governmental organization members, and participants from fishermen groups. Following a pre-test and subsequent revisions, the final questionnaire was finalized with 25 questions. These covered topics such as knowledge of the Ministry's five key initiatives, understanding of regulatory enforcement, perceptions of blue economy management, and suggestions for future strategies FINDINGS: The implementation of quota-based fisheries system, known as Penangkapan Ikan Terukur, has demonstrated significant progress, particularly in fisheries management area 718, where increased vessel landings have minimized the need for transporting catches back to Java. The expansion of marine conservation initiatives has led to the establishment of protected areas totaling 97.5 million hectares. Nevertheless, there are ongoing challenges in effectively linking these areas, largely attributed to their vast expanse and insufficient funding. Sustainable aquaculture has been prioritized, achieving a remarkable increase in shrimp farming productivity from 0.6 to 40 tons per hectare per cycle. In addition, the Maritime Intelligent Platform has refined the licensing procedures for marine and fishery activities, resulting in better compliance with regulations. The Ministry's public engagement campaign, "Month of Loving the Sea," has mobilized 2,858 participants over two years, removing nearly 172 tons of plastic waste from the ocean. CONCLUSION: While challenges such as resource limitations and the need for advanced technology adoption persist, the blue economy initiatives exhibit strong potential for success. Regular monitoring and evaluation play a vital role in tackling these issues, thereby solidifying Indonesia's commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources and the blue economy principles.