In a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening the management of the snapper grouper fishery in West Nusa Tenggara Province, CTC facilitated a capacity-building event called “Fisheries Management Training with an Ecosystem Approach” in the City of Mataram. This event took place from May 22 to 24, 2023, and was organized by the Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MAF) Department of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The three-day training program focused on providing participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills in fisheries management strategies, the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), evaluating fisheries using EAFM indicators, and developing Fisheries Management Plans (RPP) and Fisheries Action Plans (RAP). The curriculum was designed to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, including personnel from the MAF Department of NTB Province, academics, NGOs, representatives of local fishers, and the private sector.

With a total of 19 participants, comprising 18 men and 1 woman, the training fostered a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The attendees engaged in interactive sessions, discussions, and a fisheries management simulation, enabling them to understand the essentials of sustainable fisheries practices. The event also served as an opportunity for senior practitioners to refresh their knowledge while providing valuable insights to junior members and newcomers to the committee.

Muslim, the Head of the MAF Department of NTB Province, delivered an impactful opening speech at the training session. He emphasized the pivotal role to raise collective awareness among fishery stakeholders and business actors, urging them to prioritize the sustainability of local fish resources. Furthermore, he expressed the government’s hope for all stakeholders to actively protect and support small-scale fishermen. By doing so, we can secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

“The management of fishing ports should be in partnership with cooperatives or non-governmental organizations. This approach ensures that fisheries management follows local wisdom and promotes community empowerment through cooperatives,” he added.

This collaborative effort will be in line with the existing snapper-grouper fishery management plan at provincial level, which is a part of the 2018-2023 action plan. Currently, the government and the committee are actively engaged in updating the action plan for the upcoming years and revitalizing the committee’s membership.

Some NGOs, such as the Sustainable Fisheries Management Scientific Forum (FIP2B) and WCS, have played a strategic role in facilitating capacity-building sessions to ensure the consistent transfer and sharing of skills and knowledge among all committee members. This intervention, strengthened by CTC’s expertise in providing training, is expected to expedite the implementation of the grouper and snapper fishery action plan for the Province of West Nusa Tenggara.

The training participants provided positive feedback regarding the training program, emphasizing its substantial contribution to their knowledge of fisheries management strategies, EAFM principles, and fisheries action plans. They commended the training sessions for their clear, structured, and efficient delivery, which facilitated an enriching learning experience for all attendees. Remarkably, 70.6% of participants expressed their satisfaction with the training, with an additional 29.4% stating that they were very satisfied.

Through collaborative initiatives like these, FPI2B, WCS, and the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara have demonstrated their collective unwavering dedication to the sustainability of local and national fisheries management practices. By joining forces, we actively contribute to the preservation of the snapper-grouper fishery, as well as other target fish species, and the protection of key marine ecosystems within the Coral Triangle region.

Writers: Wienda Ardiyani, Yoga Putra
Photos: Silvianita Timotius/CTC, Danny Boy Mochran/CTC, Wienda Ardiyani/CTC