Overview
The Aru and Arafura Seas snapper, grouper, and demersal species FIP was established in May 2012. The FIP involves 46 bottom longline vessels. Some additional context and history of this FIP's efforts can be viewed the FIP's website, as well as FishSource.
The FIP supports and contributes to the development, improvement, traceability and sustainability of the snapper-grouper and demersal fisheries industry in Indonesia by: promoting traceability, improving the availability of accurate data on catches retained and bycatch, and collaborating with other institutions working on the fisheries issues in the country. This includes working together to improve the management and policy for sustainable fisheries.
Background
The distribution of snapper (kakap merah) and grouper (kerapu) in Indonesia covers the vast area of the archipelago, with Aru and the Arafura Seas being the major fishing grounds for snapper and deeper water grouper species. Data from the Indonesian Capture Fisheries Statistics show that in 2007, kakapmerah from these waters contributed to more than 30% of the total catch, with 35,112 metric tonnes being landed (MMAF 2009). The total landing of snapper in Indonesia was 116,994 metric tonnes in 2007. The other important fishing grounds for snapper are in the Karimata Strait, the Natuna Sea, and the South China Sea, which contributed 13.9% of the total catch, followed by Tolo Bay and the Banda Sea (11.8%), Java Sea (10.5%) and the Makassar Strait, Bone Bay, the Flores Sea and the Bali Sea (8.1%).
Snappers, grouper, and other demersal are the target fisheries for traditional, small-scale, and semi-industrial fisheries. The traditional fishing trips normal last one day, while the small-scale to semi-industrial fishing trips can last for days to weeks, and target other demersal species.
The Aru and Arafura Seas snapper, grouper, and demersal species FIP was established in May 2012. The FIP involves 46 bottom longline vessels.
- Ensure that the origins for 100% of catch of snapper, grouper, and other demersal products purchased are well-known and are all coming from legal fisheries and supply chains by July 2022.
- Improve the harvest data recording through logbooks to support the development of the fisheries management plan in Aru and Arafura Seas by July 2022.
- Support and advocate for an improved Labor Standard in the fishery sector by June 2022.