Analysis of fisheries laboratory management strategies for enhancing laboratory quality standards to support fishery product quality assurance and safety systems: a case study at the Fish Quarantine and Fishery Product Quality Testing Center

Abstract

Competent authorities must implement quality control to guarantee the quality and safety of fisheries products. This is achieved by developing and applying testing method requirements or standards in reference/testing laboratories, adhering to Government Regulation 57 of 2015 concerning the Quality Assurance System and Safety of Fishery Products, and enhancing the added value of these products. The presence of accredited testing laboratories is crucial as a core competency in assuring the quality required by exporting countries. The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 8 of 2024, concerning the control of the implementation of quality assurance systems and the safety of marine and fishery products, reinforces the role of reference/testing laboratories. These laboratories are essential in supporting the control of the Quality and Safety Assurance System for Marine and Fishery Products, demonstrating competence in testing the quality of these products. Fisheries laboratory management is necessary to analyze the effectiveness of quality standard implementation at the Fish Quarantine and Fishery Product Quality and Safety Standard Testing Center (FQI-STL) laboratory. This analysis is based on SNI ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Furthermore, strategic fisheries laboratory management steps are needed to improve laboratory quality standards to support the Quality and Safety Assurance System for Marine and Fishery Products at FQI-STL, using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method. The research methodology employed a descriptive approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection involved observation, surveys, interviews, and questionnaires. Statistical data analysis was performed using MicrosoftExcel and Expert Choice 11 software. AHP respondents consisted of five experts in fisheries and management, representing the government, practitioners from the National Accreditation Body of Indonesia (KAN), and academia. Research findings from internal audit data between 2021 and 2023 revealed findings in clause 6.4 (equipment) at 7.89%, and clause 7.2 (selection, verification and validation of methods) at 25%. These two clauses had the highest number of findings and tended to recur annually, although a decrease in the number of findings was observed each year. Non-conformity data from the 2023 surveillance indicated minor and observation categories, suggesting that implementing laboratory management system requirements at FQI-STL according to SNI ISO/IEC 17025:2017 remains effective. The AHP results prioritized the following laboratory management strategies for improving FQISTL laboratory quality standards: excellent service (24.8%), sustained advancement and modernization of laboratory technology (24.1%), regulation amendment (18.5%), compliance with fishery product export regulations (16.6%), and implementation of key performance indicators (16.0%).