Delegates from the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea (PNG) visited the Sea Farming Center in the Seribu Islands on 6 December 2025 to see how community-based mariculture is being used to support livelihoods while maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. Hosted by the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (Pusat Kajian Sumberdaya Pesisir dan

Representatives from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea came together in Jakarta on 3–4 December 2025 for the Second Annual Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), marking an important milestone in the transition of ATSEA from a time-bound project into a long-term regional program. The meeting was hosted by the Government of Indonesia

In November 2025, the Research Station for Tuna Fisheries (RSTF) in Denpasar, Bali, conducted two training sessions for 30 Bali Extension Officers, who are the frontliners of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and work closely with coastal communities to enhance awareness and build capacity. The first training focused on Plastic Waste Management

In Samkai Village, Merauke District, Indonesia, a group of elderly fishers has found a new way to stay productive even though they can no longer go to sea. They gather at Sanggar Nelayan, a communal workshop where retired fishers make and repair fishing nets, an initiative led by Ilyas Aleks Gebze (50 y.o) since 2010. As

Fishing supports thousands of people across the Arafura and Timor Seas and plays a key role in Indonesia’s fisheries economy. However, as fishing activity expands, so does the problem of Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), often referred to as ghost gear. In busy fishing areas like Merauke and Dobo, ALDFG is a

The waters of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) carry stories of abundance, connection, and shared responsibility. Yet beneath their surface lies a growing concern about Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), or “ghost” gear, which continue to threaten marine life and coastal livelihoods. From 30 September to 2 October 2025, stakeholders gathered

Merauke District in South Papua Province is one of the key fishing hubs in Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 718. The region borders Papua New Guinea and the Arafura Sea, and is home to thousands of fishers whose lives depend on the sea. Yet amid their daily routines at sea, not every fishing net makes

The Arafura Sea is one of Indonesia’s most important fishing grounds. It is rich in biodiversity, strategically located across national borders, and provides vital livelihoods for coastal communities. Within this region, Dobo stands out as a major fishing hub, landing an average of 32,172 tonnes of fish annually. The area forms part of Fisheries Management

Representatives from Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea gathered online on 21 August 2025 for the Second Consultative Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC). Chaired by Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the meeting brought together 34 participants, including observers from the Partnerships in Environmental Management

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional collaboration on Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), the ATSEA team conducted a series of consultations with Indonesia’s national stakeholders in Jakarta and Bogor from 22 to 25 July 2025. The discussions aimed to share preliminary findings from earlier field visits to Merauke (in May)

In South Fly District of Papua New Guinea’s Western Province, a community-based fisheries management plan is being implemented through close collaboration between the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Western Province Fisheries. This partnership builds on efforts initiated under the ATSEA-2 Project and forms part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable and inclusive fisheries governance

The First Consultative Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), which was held virtually on 25 June 2025, demonstrated a spirit of collaboration and open discussion aimed at building consensus on key actions to operationalise and institutionalise the ATSEA Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) and facilitate the implementation of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS)

In the far reaches of Maluku, Dobo stands as a gateway to the Arafura Sea and the everyday challenges faced by coastal communities.In June 2025, the ATSEA regional secretariat team travelled to Dobo, the capital of the Aru Islands District in Maluku Province, to understand the fishing dynamics and learn more about the management of

At the southeastern edge of Indonesia, where land meets sea and cultures overlap, Merauke is a town shaped by its waters. Life moves slowly in this quiet part of South Papua, but beneath the calm surface lies a complex and evolving picture of fisheries, trade and community resilience. In May 2025, a team from the

On 5 July 2024, global experts and development partners gathered at the Global Dialogue on Sustainable Ocean Development in Bali, Indonesia, to discuss the importance of increasing support for sustainable ocean transitions and propose new models for cooperation and regional partnerships. The event, organised by the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP), attracted approximately 300 participants,

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

ATSEA will participate in the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea from 28 to 30 April 2025.  ATSEA interim Executive Director Dr Handoko Adi Susanto will be a speaker at a Side event led by PEMSEA and COBSEA entitled “Collective Action in Implementing the 30×30 GBF Targets: Establishing a Regional Collaborative Network of Marine

On 18 February 2025, ATSEA took part in a full-day roundtable on Nature-Positive Engineering (NPE) at the School of Economics, Singapore Management University. This mission was supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The roundtable was organised as a joint initiative by the Singapore Green Finance Center (SGFC), the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI), Lloyd’s Register

Abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) silently drifts through the Arafura and Timor Seas, entangling marine life and disrupting fisheries. Known as “ghost nets,” this stray gear continues to pose a persistent threat. Recognising this pressing issue, 32 representatives from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste convened in Cairns, Australia from 4-7 February

In the picturesque coastal enclave of Natarbora in Timor-Leste’s Manatuto Municipality, the Tok-Derek Women’s Cooperative has emerged as a beacon of community empowerment. Supported by the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project and the UNDP Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) program, this success story is rooted in a transformative collaboration that addresses

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project concluded its five-year journey with a series of strategic meetings in Bali, Indonesia, from 10 to 11 December 2024. Hosted by the Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), these gatherings included the final Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting, the inaugural Regional Coordination

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ministerial Forum 2024 marked an important milestone in the progress of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project, which has spanned the past five years. On 5 December 2024, H.E. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water, Australia; H.E. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Minister of

Since its inception in 2019, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project has been actively implemented in Australia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste, with Papua New Guinea joining in late 2021. Despite logistical challenges delaying the start, the project in PNG has focused on sustainable, community-based fisheries, aiming to improve the use of

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project implemented by UNDP Indonesia in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), hosted the soft launch of the Arafura Sea Learning and Information Center at the Fisheries Training and Extension Center (BPPP) in Ambon, Maluku. Funded

The East Asian Seas Congress 2024, held from 6-8 November in Xiamen, China, welcomed over 800 participants from 20 countries to explore the theme: “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean.” The event highlighted global initiatives, including the ATSEA-2 Project’s efforts to advance marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and climate resilience in

In Rote Ndao, a new approach to salt-making is helping the coastal community improve their livelihoods. Known as the tunnel system, this method is changing how salt is produced and creating new economic opportunities for the coastal communities. In an insightful interview, Jemisra, professional trainer from Fisheries Training and Extension Center Tegal (Balai Pelatihan dan

A traditional dance marked the celebration of a groundbreaking event on the Fore Coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) – the launch of the Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan (FAFMP) and the accompanying Fore Coast Kiwai Local-Level Government Law (LLG Law). This initiative, supported by the ATSEA-2 Project, represents a significant milestone in sustainable

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project took part in the 10th GEF International Waters Conference (IWC10), held from 23-26 September 2024 in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Themed “Transformative actions and impacts for the water and ocean SDGs: The GEF IW response to the global challenge,” the conference provided a platform

Social and economic equity is a fundamental aspect in the Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) management. In collaboration with Blue Nature Alliance, ATSEA-2 took part in an interactive workshop on “Striving for Social and Economic Equity in LMEs and MPAs Management”. The workshop promoted the integration of social equity principles into

As part of the Arafura and Timor Seas region, Indonesia makes a significant contribution to preserving the biodiversity of these waters, which support the livelihoods of coastal communities. Managing such an important area requires careful coordination, which is where the National Inter-Ministerial Committee (NIMC) comes in. By aligning national efforts with regional goals, the committee

In the waters of Merauke, South Papua, an important story of empowerment and sustainability is taking shape. Local women are not only fishing but also leading a change in the fisheries industry. The women-led groups Yanbui and Eltimo are showing that community involvement and female leadership can drive a real environmental and economic progress. At

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

The ATSEA-2 Project, in partnership with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the South Fly District Fisheries of Papua New Guinea (PNG), has successfully established two key committees: the Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Committee (FAFMC) and the Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan Advisory Committee (FAFMPAC). These committees are essential for promoting sustainable artisanal

The Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan and its by-law, the Fore Coast Kiwai Local-level Government Law on the Management of Marine Environment and Artisanal Fisheries, have come into operation after the completion of a socialisation process. The socialisation took place from 3 May to 24 August 2024, across 14 villages, starting in Sui Village

The Turtle Conservation Sub-Centre at Salara Beach, located in Com Village, Lautem Municipality, is crucial in protecting sea turtles while integrating these efforts with local tourism initiatives. Established in January 2024 by Patricio Vilanova from the Com Turtle Conservation Centre, this facility focuses on the preservation of marine life and aims to enhance the local

Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste have come together to take an important step towards protecting the marine and coastal resources of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). They have signed and adopted a new 10-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for 2024-2033, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation. This collaborative effort aims to

The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region is rich in wildlife, including mangroves that make up 25% of the world’s total and include 45 different species. These mangroves are crucial for many marine animals like reef fish and turtles and help protect shores from erosion and climate change effects. Beyond their environmental role, these mangroves

On 10 July 2024, the ATSEA-2 Project, in collaboration with the TAKA Foundation, facilitated a public consultation on the management of a newly proposed Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Manufahi and Manatuto regions of Timor-Leste. Held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF) office in Dili, the event brought together 47

Senior government officials from Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Timor-Leste convened in Brisbane on 25 and 26 June 2024 for the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) Senior Government Officials’ Meeting (SGOM). Hosted by the Australian Government through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), this crucial meeting served as

The health of our oceans is crucial for the well-being of countless communities and ecosystems. The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project has been at the forefront of this mission, working to support the enhancement of marine and fisheries governance in Indonesia. A collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Marine Affairs

The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region is home to Nino Konis Santana National Park (NKSNP) in Timor-Leste, an important area for marine and coastal ecosystems. To protect these resources, effective management is essential. Recently, a significant step was taken to enhance the park’s management through a collaborative meeting organised under the ATSEA-2 Project. In

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project recently celebrated the inauguration of the Tok Derek Women’s Cooperative fish shop in Uma Boko Village, Barique, Manatuto Municipality, Timor-Leste. The event, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), accompanied by the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) of UNDP Timor-Leste, showcased

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project continues to make significant progress in enhancing regional collaboration and sustainable management of marine-coastal ecosystems in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. On 2 May 2024, the Second Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting took place virtually, focusing on advancing the ATS Strategic Action

In a time when ocean ecosystems face growing pressure, countries and organisations across the region are finding new ways to work together. At the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Busan, Republic of Korea, the ATSEA Program joined a regional cooperation to establish a Regional Collaborative Network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the East

In Papua New Guinea, a significant legislative milestone has been achieved in the South Fly District of Western Province, marking a transformative moment in fisheries management. The Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan, a groundbreaking community-based multi-species fisheries management initiative, was meticulously developed to address the unique challenges of the region. This initiative culminated in

The Arafura and Timor Seas area is filled with wildlife, including important mangroves that are 25% of the world’s total and have 45 different types. These mangroves are essential for many sea animals and protect coasts from erosion and climate change. They also support the livelihoods of people living nearby, showing the strong connection between

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project supported the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices including to Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Practices in the Region (RPOA-IUU) to organise the Advanced Fisheries Intelligence Training on 20 to 23 February 2024 in a hybrid format. The training underlines

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is actively working towards integrating its environmental program into the national policy. The project team is currently drafting a policy proposal for the National Executive Council with the goal of formally recognising the ATSEA-2 Project as part of PNG’s national government

In an ambitious move aligned with the Timor-Leste Ministry of Education’s “merenda escolar” (school lunch) program, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project, in collaboration with Permakultura Timor-Leste (Permatil), is transforming elementary education in Manufahi through a pioneering school garden initiative. This initiative is a cornerstone of a broader strategy to

In the first quarter of 2024, the ATSEA-2 Project held a series of national consultation workshops which aimed to promote the mainstreaming of key actions in the updated 10-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS), and supporting National Action Programmes (NAPs), into the work and budget frameworks of the countries

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project, in collaboration with Taka Foundation, has organised a series of trainings to enhance the quality of processed fishery products and business administration management for fishing communities in the Aru Archipelago, Maluku and Merauke District, South Papua. Spanning from November 2023 to February 2024, this

For millions of years, sea turtles have played a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine habitats. However, populations have been dwindling in recent decades due to a combination of poaching, habitat destruction and bycatch. Evidence of this worrying decline can be seen in Com Village, Timor-Leste. Com Village is part of Nino Konis

The Fore Coast of South Fly district, located in Western Province, Papua New Guinea, is a remote area that is heavily dependent on fisheries and marine resources. The people here rely mainly on traditional practices in the management of marine resources. However, the pressures of a growing population and the increasingly commonplace use of modern

Indonesia’s ambitious plan to establish a new capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan, presents a unique opportunity to integrate sustainable Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) into the developmental framework. The Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management of the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has partnered with the Fujian Institute of Sustainable Ocean (FISO), Xiamen

Dainah Gigiba is the District Fisheries Officer for South Fly District in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG), where she has worked with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for the past 30 years. In her capacity as a delegate for the provincial government, she provides essential support to ATSEA-2 in our mission to

Red snapper is a catch-all term that is commonly used to describe a number of key fish species, including saddletail snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus), crimson snapper (L. erythropterus), red emperor (L. sebae) and goldband snapper (Pristipomoides multidens). Each of these species play a crucial role in commercial, artisanal and recreational fisheries within the Arafura and Timor

To the village community in the heart of Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Metri Nainatu (known locally as Mama Metri) is a source of inspiration and a symbol of resilience. Her transformative journey from fisher to entrepreneur has blazed a trail for other coastal communities to follow towards a more adaptive, resilient

To the village community in the heart of Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Metri Nainatu (known locally as Mama Metri) is a source of inspiration and a symbol of resilience. Her transformative journey from fisher to entrepreneur has blazed a trail for other coastal communities to follow towards a more adaptive, resilient

On 21 and 22 November 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) hosted the 5th Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting for the Arafura-Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project. The meeting represented a collaborative effort to engender sustainable practices and strengthen marine and fisheries governance in the Arafura and Timor Seas

In the picturesque Aru Archipelago, the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) team has teamed up with the Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA) Work Unit, National Marine Conservation Office Kupang (Balai Kawasan Konservasi National Kupang/BKKPN Kupang), and community-led surveillance groups (Kelompok Masyarakat Pengawas/Pokmaswas) to form a dynamic megafauna team. Led by

Dr Handoko Adi Susanto, Regional Project Manager of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project, was invited by Fujian Institute for Sustainable Oceans (FISO) of Xiamen University to the Workshop on Sustainable Ocean 2023. The Workshop, taking place on 10 November 2023 in Xiamen, addressed urgent coastal concerns and served as

Lampu Satu Beach in Merauke is a thriving hub for the local fisheries sector. Located on the shores of the Arafura Sea, with easy access to fish landing facilities and the Merauke Nusantara Fisheries Port (PPN), Lampu Satu has evolved over time from a remote fishing village into a bustling hub of commerce. But today

The Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region is home to a quarter of the world’s mangroves. At the local level, these ecosystems provide nurseries, shelter and sustenance for a multitude of marine life, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region, while also helping maintain ecological balance on a global scale.  To support the preservation

In a crucial endeavour to champion responsible fishing practices and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the 16th Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices, including Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RPOA-IUU) Coordination Committee Meeting (CCM) convened from 26-27 October 2023, in Dili, Timor-Leste. Dr Handoko Adi Susanto, Regional Project Manager

Apara Village and Karey Village, located within the Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA), hold administrative and cultural significance. These communities primarily comprise fisherfolks whose livelihoods revolve around the MPA. As a result, there is a distinct correlation between community activities and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.  Recognising the pivotal role of these villages, the

Timor-Leste, with its stunning 747-kilometre coastline and a vast ocean expanse covering 75,000 square kilometres, is part of the Coral Triangle – a global hotspot for marine life, home to numerous corals, fish and whale sharks, to name just a few species. Among these treasures are three of the world’s seven endangered sea turtles. However,

Merauke, situated at the easternmost tip of Indonesia in Papua Province, is more than just a hub for plantation sectors like coconut, palm oil, rubber and forest products. According to the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia, its expansive coastline, stretching over 846.36 km and encompassing a marine area of 6,269.86 km2, holds immense

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project hosted a Regional Exchange on Sea Turtle Conservation in Bali, from 14-16 September 2023. The event that was organised in collaboration with Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC), gathered together teams of local community members and government representatives from Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New

Small-scale Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to cast a shadow over artisanal fisheries and the users of ecosystem services in the South Fly District of Western Province, Papua New Guinea. The exploitation of marine resources in this manner remains an urgent issue, underscoring the need for support to empower local fisherfolk in their

The 4th International Conference on Integrated Coastal Management & Marine Biotechnology (ICMMBT) organised on 12 and 13 September 2023 in Bali, Indonesia. The conference provided a global platform for the exchange of practical solutions, innovative approaches and cutting-edge research in coastal and ocean management and governance.  The 4th ICMMBT convened experts and thought leaders committed

Located in the South Aru sub-district of Indonesia’s Aru Archipelago, Lutur Village (known locally as Nata Lutur) is approximately 3-4 hours by boat from Dobo. En route to the village, coconut trees line the coastal roads and fill the villagers’ gardens. These trees, and the coconuts they produce, are a similarly prominent feature in the

In 2023, a series of workshops and consultations focused on refining the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) marine ecosystem. These collaborative efforts represent an integral component of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project and its ongoing commitment to foster and facilitate cooperation between Australia,

The Aru Archipelago is home to some of the richest fishing grounds in Indonesia. Last year, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) estimated that around 876,722 tonnes of demersal fish can be found in these waters, making them a hotspot for commercial fisheries. But this abundance also makes the region vulnerable to overexploitation

The waters surrounding Rote Ndao in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province are increasingly at risk from pollution, due to a combination of oil and gas exploration and maritime traffic. Pollution associated with these issues can have a devastating impact on marine organisms, while also impacting coastal ecosystems and the local communities who rely on natural

Throughout generations, coastal and marine resources have been a lifeline for local communities, who have consistently employed sustainable and wise practices. This can be witnessed in Viqueque, Timor-Leste, one of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project’s working areas. Their collective mission involved an in-depth exploration of the methods employed by

In 2009, an oil spill struck Rote Ndao District in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur/NTT) Province, impacting coastal areas where many local communities rely on the sea for their livelihoods. Today, the threat of a recurrence continues to loom large. Now, important steps are being taken to build awareness, take action and improve

The Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project is committed to ensuring equal participation between women and men, aligned with the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) strategies, guidelines and standards advocated by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Rote Ndao, the project has teamed up with

South Fly District, in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, is renowned for its abundant marine resources. For generations, local people have maintained the delicate balance of utilisation and conservation of the natural world through the implementation of customary laws. Recognising the importance of preserving marine resources, and the value of local knowledge to

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organised the 22nd Annual Consultative Meeting on Large Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Partners (LME22) was held at the UNESCO Headquarter in Paris, France.  Taking place from 11 – 13 July 2023, the overarching objective of this consultative meeting was to strengthen LME partnerships, address new challenges and

On 11 July 2023, members of the Arafura and Timor Sea Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project’s Regional Steering Committee (RSC) met online, in preparation for project completion in 2024. The RSC, which is responsible for making key project decisions, gathered to assess mid-year progress and discuss pending tasks. Participants included government representatives from Australia,

South Papua Province officially launched its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) on 4 July 2023, in Merauke on Kolepom Island, established in January 2023 under the authority of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree No. 5 of 2023. This significant decision was the result of a collaborative effort involving various partners, including the Indonesian

The ATSEA-2 Project recently teamed up with the Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Project-Coral Triangle Initiative (COREMAP-CTI) to organise a comprehensive two-day capacity building program for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The event took place from 26-27 June 2023 in Bali, Indonesia. The main objective of the training was to enhance the knowledge and skills

In many countries, ‘open access’ arrangements are the status quo, providing all fishers within a defined jurisdiction (e.g., national) the same rights to access fisheries resources. This free-for-all approach results in increasing numbers of fishers competing for finite resources. Unsurprisingly, this puts strain on fish stocks and can dramatically impact ecosystem health. Conversely, Rights-based Fisheries

Since 2019, the ATSEA-2 Project has been focusing on coastal and inland communities in Rote Ndao District, with a particular emphasis on four target villages: Daiama Village in Landu Leko Sub-district, Oeseli Village in Southwest Rote Sub-district, Bo’a Village in West Rote Sub-district and Landu Tii Village in Southwest Rote Sub-district. The program’s activities aim

On 15 and 16 June 2023, the Regional Plan of Action to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (RPOA-IUU) and the ATSEA-2 Project organised a hybrid Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on fisheries intelligence. The FGD brought together representatives from seven RPOA-IUU-participating countries: Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Timor-Leste. It served as

Tucked away in the Aru Archipelago in Indonesia’s Maluku district, Apara Village is home to captivating traditions and a way of life unique to this remote corner of the world. Located on Workai Island, the village is blessed with access to the Southeastern Aru Conservation Area and the surrounding sea. The journey to get here

The ATSEA-2 Project is focused on protecting the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region for the benefit of people and nature. Central to this approach is raising awareness of the issues facing the region, while forging sustainable partnerships that can support long-term conservation efforts. With that in mind, the ATSEA-2 Project recently travelled to China,

From 5-7 June 2023, the ATSEA-2 Project conducted an assessment using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) in Com Village, Timor-Leste. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), this assessment aimed to evaluate the extent to which Nino Konis Santana National Park (NKSNP) has successfully achieved its goals and benefited the

The International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was celebrated on 5 June 2023. This was followed by World Ocean Day on 8 June 2023. These two important events helped to bring the importance of our work into focus, highlighting the need for collaboration in safeguarding our oceans, while also

In an effort to promote sustainable development and address pressing regional challenges, a Regional Strategic Planning Workshop was held in Bali, Indonesia on 30 and 31 May 2023. The offline workshop brought together approximately 35 key stakeholders, including ATSEA-2 National Project Directors, members of the Regional Working Group, representatives from the United Nations Development Programme

In the spirit of World Ocean Day 2023 celebration (8 June, annually), we should take a moment to consider the work that needs to be done. From marine pollution and climate change to unsustainable practices and declining populations of endangered species, the challenges we face are immense. In the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region,

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Directorate General of Marine Spatial Management (Ditjen PRL) has made a commitment to maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems. One of the major efforts undertaken is to increase Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) coverage to 32.5 million hectares, or approximately 10 percent of Indonesian waters,

Exploring the Fore Coast in South Fly district is an enchanting experience. Navigating the tranquil intertidal waters, visitors discover pristine beaches and mangroves. The outboard motor hums continuously, as we pass by anglers in their canoes and vigilant boat spotters, who ensure their skipper steers clear of fishing nets. The ATSEA-2 team has had the

From 15-17 May 2023, the ATSEA-2 Project participated in a workshop entitled “Protecting Marine Migratory Species and Achieving the 30×30 Target” in Manado, Indonesia. This three-day event, organised by the European Union Ocean Governance project and the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Working Group of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security

The littoral nations of the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region are united in their efforts to combat the depletion of marine and fishery resources. Recognising the significance of collaboration, the ATSEA-2 Project conducted the Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning National Workshops in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), on 5 April and 5 May 2023,

In Timor-Leste, the coastal waters of Viqueque – known locally as Viqueque Municipio – are rich in fish species such as tuna, mackerel and snapper. The region is also home to a lively coastal community and a thriving group of fisherfolk. With support from the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase II (ATSEA-2) Project,

On 28 March 2023, the ATSEA-2 Project organised a meeting at the Marine and Fisheries Research and Human Resources Agency to evaluate the management effectiveness of the Southeast Aru Marine Protected Area (MPA). The meeting aimed to assess the MPA’s effectiveness using two tools: a new evaluation tool for the management effectiveness of marine conservation

On 14 March 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with ATSEA-2 project hosted the National Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) Validation Meeting in Dili. The primary objective of the meeting was to review the draft country synthesis report and collectively address any gaps or issues. The meeting provided a platform

From 8-12 March 2023, the ATSEA-2 Regional Project Management Unit (RPMU) visited Dili and Viqueque in Timor-Leste, in order to provide updates on project progress through meetings with related organisations. The team included the Regional Project Manager, Dr. Handoko Adi Susanto, together with RPMU members Stella Puteri and Deti Triani, who met with representatives from

Through gender mainstreaming and capacity-building programs, the ATSEA-2 Project is committed to promoting gender equity in the sustainable management of coastal resources. From 6-10 March 2023, the project hosted a gender workshop in Dobo, Aru Archipelago. A total of 34 people attended, comprising representatives from national, provincial and district government departments, a women’s organisation, non-government