As oceans warm and fisheries shift, regional cooperation becomes not just helpful but necessary. At the LME24 Forum in Athens, ATSEA joined global partners to share how countries in the Arafura and Timor Seas are stepping up through stronger, long-term collaboration.
Held from 14 to 16 May 2025 and hosted by IOC UNESCO, the 24th Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) Consultative Meeting gathered 80 participants from across the ocean governance landscape, including representatives from GEF, UNDP, FAO, UNEP, IUCN, NOAA, and various Regional Seas Programmes. Celebrating Thirty Years of LME Collaboration, the event focused on advancing policy coherence and integration in managing shared marine ecosystems.
Representing ATSEA, Interim Executive Director Dr Handoko Adi Susanto shared how the ATS countries have formalised their transition from a project-based initiative to a long-term, country-led programme. His plenary presentation outlined the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for 2024 to 2033, anchored by the Sydney Ministerial Declaration signed in December 2024.
“This shift is not just a structural change. It reflects genuine commitment from the countries to jointly manage marine and fishery resources, in line with UNCLOS Article 123,” said Dr Handoko.
ATSEA’s approach, grounded in ecosystem-based management, marine spatial planning and shared monitoring systems, was featured in a session showcasing progress across LME regions. The ATS example highlighted how structured governance and sustained political will can drive regional collaboration.
In a breakout session on data and information management, Dr Handoko also shared Indonesia’s approach to coordinating fisheries data through its Fisheries Management Areas and the National Commission on Fisheries Study. Participants discussed the persistent gap between data availability and policy impact. Solutions included creating national data centres, applying common standards, and establishing task forces to support long-term data accessibility and quality.
Beyond technical discussions, LME24 provided space for new connections and shared initiatives. The Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Programme was introduced to tackle coastal nutrient pollution, while four twinning programmes were launched to promote peer learning among LME projects. Informal exchanges throughout the forum fostered a stronger sense of community across regions.
If there was one clear message from Athens, it was that collaboration remains central to ocean sustainability. For ATSEA, the forum reinforced its role as a regional connector, linking country-driven efforts in the Arafura and Timor Seas with broader global dialogue.
As the ocean agenda moves toward the UN Ocean Conference and IWC11, the knowledge, partnerships and momentum gained at LME24 will support ATSEA’s ongoing mission to build a more integrated and resilient marine future.
By Yulia Dewi