Makassar Outreach Visit Promotes Sustainable Fisheries

Australian and Indonesian fisheries officials are conducting a joint outreach visit to Makassar, South Sulawesi, this week as part of cooperative efforts to promote sustainable fisheries and prevent illegal fishing.

The visit, from 9 to 10 February, is being led by representatives from the Indonesian Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and is part of an ongoing awareness-raising campaign in Indonesian fishing communities on the impacts and consequences of fishing illegally in Australian waters.

The joint outreach campaign also helps fishing communities understand how to manage their activities in line with the existing regulations in both countries.
Illegal fishing poses significant fisheries conservation, environmental, quarantine and security risks for both Indonesia and Australia.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said “The awareness campaign is an important part of our joint efforts to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources on both sides of the border.”

“This is a common problem for both countries, where we need to work together to find practical solutions.”

“Both Indonesia and Australia suffer from illegal fishing by foreign nationals and we are determined to work together to stamp out illegal fishing activities that ruin the fish stocks on which many people depend,” Mr Farmer said.

The outreach visit involves open discussions with members of coastal fishing communities in the area and discussions with community leaders and local government officials.

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee (Public Affairs) tel. 0221 2550 5290 mob. 0811 1873175