Australia/Indonesia Fisheries Research Partnership

Mr Bayu Priyambodo (L), who is leading the Indonesian component of ACIAR’s lobster mariculture studies in Indonesia, inspecting lobster grow-out cages at Awang, Lombok in February 2010.

Strategic priorities for fisheries research partnerships with Indonesia were developed with key Indonesian agencies at consultations in Jakarta on 17-18 May 2010 to help direct ACIAR’s fisheries program for the next decade.

The fisheries sector plays an important role in Indonesia’s 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.

ACIAR is seeking new research ideas on aquaculture and capture fisheries to help secure practical outcomes and higher incomes for farming and fishing communities in Indonesia. ACIAR projects are developed and implemented in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

Under the Australia Indonesia Partnership, ACIAR currently invests A$10 million in fisheries research and development projects. Highlights of the 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.

The research partnership support capacity building initiatives for Indonesians including study and research opportunities in Australia in the field of sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture production.

Australian embassy media release: http://www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/jakt/MR10_047.html