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Govt mulls lifting lobster larvae export ban in return for investment
Vietnam had been the prime destination for Indonesia’s lobster larvae exports and according to the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, 99 percent of shipments went to that country.
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Smuggled lobster larvae (-/Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry)
T
he Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry is seeking to reopen lobster larvae exports, saying it would permit shipments to countries willing to make investments in aquaculture cultivation in Indonesia, as quoted from Kompas.
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said Vietnam had been the prime destination for Indonesia’s lobster larvae exports, adding that he estimated shipments to the country could be worth US$2.5 billion despite the commodity taking the form of larvae rather than fully grown lobsters.
“They [Vietnam] need to invest first or engage in cultivation here, so that we [in Indonesia] can also reap the benefits, and we can achieve a multiplier effect as well. Afterward, if everything is successful, we will conduct a further review,” Sakti told reporters on Monday.
Read also: Govt again considers lifting lobster larvae export ban
Exports of lobster larvae were halted in 2016 to prevent over-exploitation, but were reopened in 2020 under former fisheries minister Edhy Prabowo.
However, the ministry reimposed the ban in mid-2021, which has remained in effect until now, following the conviction of Edhy, who was sentenced to five years in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for issuing export licenses.
Sakti defended the plan, saying lobster larvae smuggling had become rife since the ban was enacted.
