The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) affirming their joint commitment to strengthening collaboration on sustainable fishing.

The agreement will focus on increasing the accessibility of the MSC’s market-based program to fisheries in Indonesia. The MoU, signed by Mr. Nilanto Perbowo, MMAF Secretary General, and Patrick Caleo, MSC Asia Pacific Regional Director, will cover cooperation in key areas such as the development of Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), sharing of sustainable fishing best practice using the MSC ‘s Fisheries Standard, and capacity building. 

The Indonesian government will play a key role in this partnership, with the MSC program working alongside the sustainable fishery agenda workplan developed by MMAF, to support MMAF’s priority fisheries. 

“MMAF and the MSC share the vision that sustainable fishing is essential to supporting coastal livelihoods, economic growth, and social development. This MoU shows our commitment to work together towards safeguarding Indonesia’s seafood supplies for future generations," said Patrick Caleo, MSC Asia Pacific Regional Director.

Mr. Nilanto Perbowo, MMAF Secretary General, said: "We hope the MSC can assist the Indonesian government in giving global market recognition for Indonesian fisheries products that are free from IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing as a premium product. We hope the MSC can push Indonesian fisheries product to the global market".
                                                                   
Indonesian fisheries operate within some of the world's richest and most productive marine ecosystems. Indonesia is the second largest fish producer in the world and catch volumes continue to increase. Fish products account for 54% of the national protein intake. 

Indonesian fish stocks are vital to both domestic and global food security, livelihoods, and marine biodiversity. The Indonesian government has been working with local and international stakeholders to overcome some of the challenges facing wild-capture fisheries, such as overfishing. The MSC initiated the Fish for Good project to support these efforts and actively works with the Indonesian government, small scale fisheries, and local and international stakeholders towards more sustainable fishing practices.