To protect and the marine and fisheries resources in the ISLME region, FAO promotes evidence-based, data-driven policies for sustainable management of the marine and fisheries resources. This is carried out in close collaboration with the Government of Indonesia and Timor-Leste and key stakeholders, such as experts/academia, NGOs, fisheries associations, representatives of small fishers and women’s groups.

1. Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP)
   
   The TDA is a scientific document that elaborates various threats to ISLME region grouped into five Priority Environmental Concerns (PECs), namely (i) Unsustainable fisheries and decline of living coastal and marine resources, (ii) Degradation and Loss of Marine Habitat, (iii) Marine and land-based pollution, (iv) Decline and loss of biodiversity and key marine species and (v) Impacts of climate change. This is conducted under the leadership of the TDA lead through technical consultants, working in close partnership with a panel of fisheries and marine experts and the National Scientific Advisory Groups (NSAGs) in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
   
   The findings from the TDA are then used to inform the development of the SAP document, highlighting priority initiatives to address the identified transboundary threats at the national and subnational level in both countries. Policy makers, academia/researchers and representatives of private sector and small fishers are closely involved and consulted to ensure well-designed initiatives with strong stakeholder ownership.
   
2. Building national capacity for Ecosystem-Approach to Fisheries Management and Aquaculture (EAFM-EAA)
   
   EAFM Support to Fisheries Authorities
   - Strengthening the capacity of fisheries authorities: fisheries management council and unit (LPP/UPP) to strengthen quota-based fisheries in line with the measurable fisheries management for sustainability.
   - Integrating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and capture fisheries activities in FMA 714 for sustainable fisheries resources and improving marine habitat management in north coast of Timor-Leste aiming at increasing the MPA cover and its sustainable management.
   - Conducted EAFM trainings, training of trainers and supported the development of EAFM plans.
   - Conducting EAFM missions to strengthen lobster, Blue Swimming Crab, mud crab, snapper and grouper fisheries.
   - Provided training for fishing port master assistants.
   - Fisheries dashboard development for accessible quality data and information for policy making purposes
   
   EAFM Support to Small Scale Fishers (SSF)
   - Promoting e-logbook use among SSF along north Java sea (FMA 712) and improve e-logbook technical features for user friendliness.
   - Facilitating digital transformation among SSF by provision of vessel monitoring aids.
   - Promoting one-door service to facilitate small fishers to obtain business licence/permits, do boat and fishing gear registration and build their awareness for improved compliance to fisheries regulation.
   - Trained lobster fishers on EAFM for their engagement in sustainable lobster utilization.
   - Through Public Information Campaign, empowering small fishers to identify IUU fishing practices and how to report, to exercise safety at sea and to report in Timor-Leste.
   - Provided income-generating skills, including online marketing to small fishers and women’s groups in the coastal areas in Timor-Leste.
   
   Promoting Policies for Sustainable Management of Key Fisheries Commodities
   The ISLME specifically support evidence-based, data-driven policies for the management of high value and high potential fisheries commodities, namely lobster, mud crab, Blue Swimming Crab (BSC), snapper, grouper and Sardinella lemuru fisheries within the ISLME area.
   
   Project interventions include conducting EAFM assessments, review of area- and commodity-based Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), development of Harvest Strategies and Harvest Control Rules for sustainable utilization of ISLME target fisheries.
   
   Strengthening Multisectoral Monitoring-Control and Surveillance (MCS) to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
   To address the complex MCS related issues, ISLME project provided training for fisheries supervisor, improved multisectoral MCS coordination in FMA 713 and conducted MCS stocktaking as a basis for MCS Roadmap development
   
   Promoting Economic Circularity for Waste Management in Morodemak Fishing Port in Central Java
   The project promotes economic circularity for waste management in Morodemak Fishing Port. Activities include establishment of waste bank, baruna.id data platform for access to waste data and information for policy making purposes and strengthening community awareness and engagement in waste management at household, community and port level. This initiative can be adjusted for replication in other fishing ports with similar challenges and characteristics.
   
   Promoting Community-Based Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (CB IMTA) and Ecosystem Approach Aquaculture (EAA)
   To capitalize on the natural aquaculture potential for increased fisheries productivity and small fishers/farmers welfare, the ISLME project promotes CB IMTA to farm four species in one aquaculture facility: lobster (harvest period 8-12 months), silver pomfret (harvest period 8-12 months), molluscs/abalone (8 months) and seaweed (around 30-45 days). The system allows waste from lobster and silver pomfret to provide nutrition for molluscs and seaweed. Under this approach, seaweed can be planted in cycles to allow farmers receive periodic monthly income.
   
   In addition, the project also promoted pilot EAA interventions namely (i) sustainable seaweed aquaculture in three sites: one in Lombok, Indonesia and two sites in Timor-Leste and (ii) sea cucumber culture in Timor-Leste.
3. Sharing of Expertise and Experience with Regional Forum/Networks
   Best practices and lessons learned during the project implementation are shared at bilateral level such as through the Regional Project Steering Committee between Indonesia and Timor-Leste and at the regional level forum and websites, such as the Global Environment Facility event and through websites i.e. IW:Learn, FAO global and national websites as well as social media platforms. The aim is to accelerate the adoption of best practices to widen the project’s impacts.