Australia and Indonesia Decide Future Direction of Fisheries Research Partnership

Indonesia’s strategic priorities for fisheries research partnerships with Australia will be established at consultations in Jakarta today with representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

Indonesia’s fisheries sector plays an important role in the Indonesian economy and contributes to national food security, income, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.

As neighbours, Indonesia and Australia share many interests including shared fish stocks (such as tuna, snapper and sharks), similar resource management challenges and a common marine border in the Timor and Arafura seas.

Under the Australia Indonesia Partnership, the Australian Government is currently investing A$10 million in fisheries research and development projects through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

ACIAR projects in Indonesia are developed and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Highlights of the success of this partnership can be seen in: rehabilitated shrimp farms in Aceh; better management of shrimp, crab and fish farms in eastern Indonesia; and more effective monitoring and management of shared fish stocks.

ACIAR is seeking new research ideas on aquaculture and capture fisheries that will help secure practical outcomes and higher incomes for farming and fishing communities in Indonesia.

The research partnership is supported by capacity building initiatives including study and research opportunities for Indonesians in Australia under the Australia Awards. Each year, Australia provides more than 300 scholarships for researchers and professionals to undertake study and research in Australia, including in the field of sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture production.

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Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175