The recent National Project Board Meeting of the ATSEA-2 Project Indonesia, held on 22 August 2024, in Jakarta, marked a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to implement sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation in the Arafura and Timor Seas. This meeting brought together 22 key stakeholders (10 men, 12 women) from national and regional bodies to address pressing challenges, review progress, and agree on a series of critical follow-up actions aimed at enhancing the impact of the ATSEA-2 Project.
One of the primary issues discussed was the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) reassessment procurement. The proposals received for this task did not meet the project’s requirements, and with limited time left before ATSEA-2 concludes, there was not enough time to restart the process. Alternatively, the decision was made to handle the reassessment internally, using experts from local universities and the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (Direktorat Jenderal Perikanan Tangkap – DJPT). This ensures a timely and cost-effective solution while allowing the project to reallocate funds to other program priorities.
In addition to the EAFM reassessment, the meeting highlighted the need for independent implementation of vessel registration activities and the development of an EAFM Learning Centre. These activities, previously linked to the reassessment procurement, will now proceed separately, ensuring that crucial aspects of fisheries management are not delayed. The vessel registration will be managed in collaboration with relevant provincial offices and the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), while the Learning Centre in Merauke will focus on building capacity for sustainable fisheries practices.
The upcoming Ministerial Forum was also a key topic of discussion. The forum will bring together ministers and high-level representatives from the region to discuss and endorse critical decisions on marine governance and the implementation of the Regional Strategic Action Programme. The Indonesian MMAF would like to host the upcoming Ministerial Forum, back-to-back with the last Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting and the first Regional Stakeholder Working Group (RSWG). The National Project Director has been tasked with coordinating logistical arrangements and communicating with the regional project management unit (RPMU) regarding budget availability.
In conclusion, the ATSEA-2 Project Board Meeting successfully addressed several critical issues and set the stage for continued progress in the region. The agreed follow-up actions, including the in-house EAFM reassessment, independent vessel registration, and the development of the EAFM Learning Centre, demonstrate a focused commitment to strengthening fisheries management and marine conservation. As the program moves forward, these initiatives will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the Arafura and Timor Seas’ rich marine resources.
By Safran Yusri