This situation analysis examines the status, drivers, and impacts of abandoned, lost, and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) across the Arafura and Timor Seas. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, fisheries data, and regional modelling, the report explores patterns of gear loss across key fishing gears and fleets, the movement and accumulation of ALDFG, and the economic and operational factors influencing loss and disposal practices. It reviews existing policy and on-the-ground interventions, identifies gaps and leverage points, and proposes practical strategies to reduce gear loss, strengthen recovery and recycling, and support coordinated regional action under the ATSEA Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024-2033.
The Second Annual Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), held on 3–4 December 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia, brought together participants from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, alongside Strategic Development Partners and observer organisations. Hosted by the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the meeting marked the completion of the first transition year from the ATSEA-2 Project to the long-term ATSEA Program. Discussions focused on institutionalising the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), advancing the Regional Action Plan (RAP) on Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), mobilising resources to support the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024–2033, and strengthening collaboration with regional partners. The meeting also endorsed key decisions on governance arrangements, work planning and budgeting for 2026, and next steps toward a strategic association with CTI-CFF, reinforcing collective efforts to support sustainable management of the Arafura and Timor Seas.
This assessment presents findings from field surveys in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 718, covering Dobo, Merauke, and Jakarta, to better understand the scale and causes of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) associated with gillnet and purse seine fisheries. The report highlights patterns of gear loss, economic impacts on fishers, and key factors contributing to ALDFG, and provides practical recommendations to support the development of regional action plans and on-the-ground interventions.
The Second Consultative Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), held virtually on 21 August 2025, brought together 34 representatives from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Chaired by Australia, the meeting reviewed progress since the first RCC consultation and provided guidance on institutionalising the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), developing a Regional Action Plan (RAP) for Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), and advancing the GEF Medium-Sized Project proposal. Participants also endorsed Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) as a new Strategic Development Partner. The session concluded with agreement to reconvene for the Second Annual RCC Meeting in Jakarta in December 2025, reinforcing collaboration for the sustainable management of the Arafura and Timor Seas.
The First Consultative Meeting of the ATSEA Regional Coordination Committee (RCC), held virtually on 25 June 2025, brought together representatives from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea to review progress since the ATSEA Program transition. Chaired by Papua New Guinea, the meeting provided timely guidance on implementing the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and National Action Programmes (NAPs). Key discussions covered ghost gear management, funding opportunities, and long-term options for institutionalising the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM). The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to coordination, sustainability, and future collaboration across the Arafura and Timor Seas.
The First ATSEA RCC Meeting, held on December 10-11, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia, marked the launch of the ATSEA Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM). Representatives from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea reviewed governance structures, endorsed the Strategic Development Partner, and finalised the 2025 work plan and budget. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, sustainable resource management, and operational plans for the Arafura and Timor Seas Program. This meeting set the foundation for regional cooperation and progress under the newly established RGM framework.
The First ATSEA Regional Stakeholder Working Group (RSWG) Meeting on 11 December 2024 in Bali marked a key step in operationalising the ATSEA Regional Governance Mechanism. Representatives from Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea discussed stakeholder engagement, transboundary marine issues, and the 2025 work plan. The meeting set the foundation for regional collaboration in implementing the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024–2033.
The Final RSC Meeting of the ATSEA-2 Project, hosted in Bali on December 10, 2024, brought together regional delegates to review achievements and prepare for the ATSEA Program transition. The meeting covered updates on the Strategic Action Program (SAP) 2024-2033, Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM), and sustainability plans. With a focus on marine conservation and community benefits, the discussions reflected a shared commitment to continuing collaboration and securing the health of the Arafura and Timor Seas ecosystem.
The Sydney Declaration, adopted on 5 December 2024, strengthens sustainable ocean governance in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) region. It formalises the Regional Governance Mechanism (RGM) to guide the implementation of the ATS Strategic Action Programme (SAP) 2024-2033, tackling key transboundary challenges such as marine pollution, IUU fishing, oil spills, and habitat degradation.
This publication highlights the ATSEA-2 Project’s progress in five critical areas: unsustainable fisheries, habitat degradation, marine pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change impacts. It emphasises the community-level impact, offering concrete examples of lessons learned and best practices from 2019-2024. Essential for those in or interested in the ATS region’s conservation, this booklet serves as both a record of the project’s journey and a guide for future initiatives to support a sustainable future for the region’s communities and ecosystems.
The Arafura and Timor Seas Strategic Action Programme (ATS-SAP) 2024-2033 sets the strategic direction for the next decade to tackle transboundary environmental challenges in the 167-million-hectare Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS) Large Marine Ecosystem. Focused on marine plastic pollution, oil spills, small-scale IUU fishing, and the decline of endangered species, the SAP strengthens regional cooperation among littoral countries to protect biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services. It also integrates climate resilience, governance, and gender inclusion while supporting sustainable economic opportunities in the ATS region.
This report covers key findings from fisheries enumeration (2021–2023) in Indonesia, it examines the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) of four snapper species. While two species show improved SPR values, others remain critically low, signaling urgent action. The report emphasises the need for sustainable management practices, including fishing quotas and monitoring programs, to safeguard red snapper populations, support local communities, and ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability in the Arafura and Timor Seas region.
