Indonesia aims to establish offshore tuna aquaculture in the Biak Numfor region, Papua, positioning it as a primary tuna export hub. The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, plans to invite successful Turkish investors in Atlantic bluefin tuna cultivation to contribute to this initiative. Biak Numfor's strategic location near the rich biodiversity of Cenderawasih Bay and the Pacific Coral Triangle makes it an ideal location. The government has already inaugurated a modern fishing village in the region with essential infrastructure, including ice factories, cold storage warehouses, and fishing facilities.
The potential for tuna fishing in Indonesia, contributing about 16% to global tuna production, is crucial for coastal communities and global consumers. The Biak Numfor tuna fishery, rich in yellowfin tuna, is estimated to yield one million metric tons annually. Plans include expanding direct tuna exports from Papua to Japan, one of Indonesia's significant tuna buyers. To maintain sustainable tuna production, the government encourages fisheries to obtain sustainability certifications and environmental labeling. Indonesia is implementing strategies for quota-based fisheries and zoning to reduce the pressure on natural tuna stocks, reflecting a global trend in aquaculture growth, which increased by 527% between 1990 and 2018. Indonesia's efforts to develop sustainable tuna aquaculture in Biak Numfor demonstrate a commitment to responsible fisheries practices and environmental conservation. The government's regulations and plans for quota reductions signify a proactive approach to ensure the long-term viability of tuna stocks. However, collaborative efforts with neighboring countries and adherence to sustainable strategies will be crucial for the effectiveness of these initiatives and to address challenges like gender balance in fish populations and socio-economic impacts on tuna fishermen.
