Marine, Coastal and Communities
Problems
Indonesia’s capture fisheries sector supports 2.5 to 3.7 million fishers, most of whom are small-scale fishers (SSF). Despite their crucial role, SSF remain highly vulnerable. Although Law No. 7 of 2016 guarantees their protection and empowerment, many SSF have yet to access the rights and support. Environmental degradation, socio-economic and political issues, climate change, and unequal access to decision-making processes further complicate their challenges.
In many provinces, local policies either do not exist or are poorly implemented due to a lack of inclusive and transparent processes. These issues highlight the urgent need to strengthen the protection and role of SSF to achieve sustainable and equitable ocean governance.
Our Approach
- Advocate for inclusive policies and support the development of regulations that protect and empower small-scale fishers, including women fishers and fisher households.
- Enhance the capacity of small-scale fishers to understand and advocate for their rights, enabling them to actively participate in relevant decision-making processes.
- Promote increased public participation of SSF in marine and coastal governance to ensure their voices are represented in policy design and implementation.
- Facilitate and strengthen networks among fisher groups to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
- Advocate for locally grounded blue food policies that strengthen food security and support the empowerment of women in fisheries.
Publications
Policy Brief – Fishers and Ocean Justice: Study of the Implementation of the Fishermen Empowerment Law and the Coastal Management Law in Seven Locations