Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) revealed that the potential of captured fish in Indonesia reached 12.01 million tons based on a study of the estimated potential of fish resources.

"In total, it covers 12.01 million tons a year. In theory, if you catch fish not exceeding that limit, then the following year (fish) would be sustainable with the same amount," Director for Fish Resource Management, Directorate General of Capture Fisheries at the ministry, Rida Mulyana, said in a discussion here on Wednesday (Apr. 6).

The estimate, he explained, was calculated in a total of 11 State Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) against nine groups of fish ranging from large pelagic fish, small pelagic fish, demersal fish (fish living and eating on the seabed and lakes), reef fish, shrimp, lobster, crab, and squid.

The Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 19 of 2022 states that the amount of catches allowed adjusts the level of exploitation of fish species and their areas to the existing potential.

Fish species, whose estimated potential is calculated, is likely to continue to increase in number.

Reporting by Indonesia Window