An independent evaluation of the IPNLF supported Fishery Improvement Programs (FIPs) in Indonesia has revealed that the fisheries are making good progress, and on target towards Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
IPNLF is assisting several FIP work streams in Indonesia to progress coastal tuna fisheries towards MSC certification. The primary focus is on four units of certification:
– Pole-and-line skipjack and yellowfin in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC);
– Pole-and-line skipjack and yellowfin in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC);
– Hand-line yellowfin in the WCPFC; and
– Hand-line yellowfin in the IOTC.
These fisheries are engaged in individual FIPs, that nest within and contribute to an overarching national FIP that encompasses all Indonesian tuna fisheries and gears, including pole-and-line, handline, troll, purse seine, and longline. The collaboration and dialogue between these FIPs has led to greater positive impacts, including advances in national tuna management approaches that in turn benefit all fisheries.
IPNLF and our partners undertakes an annual independent evaluation of our FIP work to monitor performance and progress towards MSC standards for sustainability. The evaluation is completed in partnership with WWF to ensure alignment with and support for the overarching national FIP. The full report compiled by the independent FIP evaluator is available for download here.
The fisheries supported by IPNLF and our partners have shown excellent progress over the last year. The MSC Benchmarking and Tracking Tool (BMT) is used to track fisheries as they improve towards MSC standards for sustainability, and a fishery is recommended to achieve a score of at least 80 BMT before applying for MSC certification. At the beginning of IPNLF’s work in Indonesia, the targeted units of certification were scored in the low-70s using the BMT.
This year’s evaluation has revealed a significant increase in the BMT score, meeting the targets established by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF). The evaluation has helped to identify the priority areas for improvement, including strengthening national management and governance for tuna and bait resources. MMAF have committed to commencing the MSC assessment process by the end of 2015.
Unit of Certification BMT score (May 2015)
Pole-and-line skipjack & yellowfin, IOTC 76 / 0.76
Handline yellowfin, IOTC 83 / 0.83
Pole-and-line skipjack & yellowfin, WCPFC 72 / 0.72
Handline yellowfin, WCPFC 80 / 0.80
IPNLF is delighted with the progress and high scores achieved by these fisheries, which signals the tremendous commitment and effort from MMAF and all our partners and stakeholders in Indonesia.
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