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Fighting IUU to promote fish exports
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Local fisherman in Aceh lift yellow fin tuna in Krueng Aceh port in Banda Aceh on Aug. 27. Fishermen caught less tuna aimed for export market in the past two weeks following bad weather and high tides. (Antara/Ampelsa)
T
he international fish trade has been rapidly expanding over recent decades. This development plays a crucial role in supplying fish for human consumption, generating revenues and providing employment in the fisheries sector, particularly for developing countries.
Indonesia, with an estimated 12.54 million tons of fish stocks, has the resources to compete in the international seafood trade arena. According to Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry data, Indonesia harvested 13.33 million tons fish in 2017, comprising capture fisheries and aquaculture production (excluding seaweed) at 6.93 million and 6.4 million tons respectively.
The fish export value has steadily risen over the past three years from US$3.94 billion in 2015 to $4.51 billion in 2017. With all of these positive developments, therefore, the fish exports are propitious for maximization. However, our fishery products face substantial challenges because of tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by importing countries.
The tariff barriers have affected the competitiveness of Indonesia’s seafood products. Currently, Indonesia as a developing country is categorized within the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) tariff scheme.
