USAID NOAA: Partnership to Improve Marine and Fisheries Governance

Context

Marine biodiversity and complex fisheries in Indonesia face threats from climate change, illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, and unsustainable management. The United States supports Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen the governance of its fisheries and oceans while protecting people, the environment, and the economy.

The long-term viability of Indonesian fisheries depends on the country’s exceptional marine biodiversity. Located in the Coral Triangle, Indonesia is the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. The country is home to 76 percent of the world's coral species and 37 percent of the world's coral reef fish species, as well as interconnected habitats of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses that are among the most important and productive ecosystems in the world. With more than 2.2 million fishers and 12 million people participating in the fisheries sector, the sustainability of Indonesia’s fisheries is vitally important for livelihoods, food security, ecosystem services, and biodiversity conservation.

USAID Indonesia Partnership with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Through the partnership with NOAA, USAID advances Indonesia's self-reliance to protect marine biodiversity by improving sustainable and equitable management of fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Under this partnership, NOAA provides technical support to Government of Indonesia (GOI) counterparts through government-to-government scientific and technical exchanges, capacity-building, technical assistance, and peer-to-peer exchanges with ocean and coastal managers, and fisheries practitioners, among other points of engagement. Ultimately, progress in these areas will ensure food security for millions of people and protect the vital biodiversity on which Indonesia’s economy and coastal communities depend.

Specific partnership areas include:

Advancing Indonesia’s capacity to address IUU fishing through appropriate tools and technologies.
Promoting approaches in managing fisheries resources that balance conservation efforts with local livelihoods and food security.
Harnessing marine protected areas to protect marine biodiversity while securing local community rights and access to fisheries resources.

Anticipated Results

Established standard operating procedures for Port State Measure Agreement (PSMA) implementation, highly skilled trainers trained, and training delivered to help Indonesia implement the PSMA.
Increased Indonesian capacity to carry out fisheries management under any circumstances, including data and resource limitations.
Increased capacity of Indonesian MPA managers and stakeholders at the national and provincial levels to work together for successful MPA implementation in Indonesia.