Indonesia and FAO strengthens marine cooperation

The three-year agreement, which has set up a framework for future joint activities in those sectors, was signed by Indonesian minister of marine affairs and fisheries Sharif C Sutardjo and by FAO director-general José Graziano da Silva.

As part of the agreement, specific arrangements will be made to increase cooperation in a number of areas including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, marine conservation and the prevention, deterrence and elimination of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The agreement will also cover capacity building, education and training, research and the exchange of experts as well as food safety.

FAO and Indonesia also agreed to consult on matters of mutual interest prior to international fisheries meetings.

In 2011, Indonesia's fishery production totalled some 8.4mn tonnes, of which inland and marine catch accounted for about 5.7mn tonnes and aquaculture 2.7mn tonnes.

In the same year, more than six million people were engaged in inland and marine fishing and fish farming. About 54 per cent of Indonesia’s current animal protein supply comes from fish and seafood. Per capita annual consumption has almost tripled from an average of 10.2kg in the 1970 to 27.3kg in 2010.

In 2012, the total value of Indonesia's fisheries exports was US$3.6bn. The fishing industry accounted for 21 per cent of Indonesia’s agricultural economy and three per cent of national GDP.

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