The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem (henceforth ISLME) region covers an approximate total of 2.13 million km² (98 percent in Indonesia’s territorial waters, and 2 percent in the territorial waters of Timor-Leste). It is at the heart of the western Indo-Pacific marine bio geographical region, where species richness is greater than in any other location on earth including corals, fish, marine mammals, mangroves, sea grasses and seamounts. ISLME is home for mega biodiversity and fisheries.
Many communities are highly dependent on coastal and marine resources and industries including fisheries, aquaculture, oil and gas production, transportation, and tourism. So ISLME has important role in the wellbeing of the people in Indonesia and Timor-Leste especially the coastal communities. Hence maintaining the ecosystem is the responsibility for both countries.
Fisheries contribute significantly to livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and the local economies of coastal communities in both countries. In Indonesia, the capture fisheries production in the region reached 2.9 million tonnes or approximately 48 percent from national capture fisheries production (Capture Fisheries, 2016). Timor-Leste has envisaged the National Aquaculture Development Strategy (NADS) 2013-2030 to provide up to 40 percent of the country’s fish production from aquaculture.
Both countries benefit from mega biodiversity richness of ISLME and are part of Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) and provide 2 500 species of marine fish, 500 species of reef corals, 13 species of sea grasses, 47 species of mangroves, 10,82 percent of the world’s coral reefs and 0.76 percent of the world’s seamounts.
A marine area is determined as a Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) scientifically on the basis of its characteristics of bathymetry, hydrography, productivity and trophically linked population. A LME is of at least minimum area of 200 thousand square kilometres including coastal areas from watersheds and the estuaries to the outer limits of continental shelf and dominant coastal currents. ISLME is identified as LME 38 in the global list of 66 LMEs.
There are 5 big threats found so far, these are IUU Fishing, fishing pressure, habitat degradation, pollution and climate change. IUU Fishing stands first in this regard. This becomes more relevant with the findings of the Directorate of Capture Fisheries of Indonesia’s Ministry that the lost cost due to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is worth US$ 20 billion per year. In Timor-Leste, it is estimated that over USD 40 million per year of marine resources are being stolen from Timor-Leste by foreign vessels.
Fishing pressure is increasing rapidly in the region, and several fisheries within the Indonesian area of the ISLME are at the point of significant collapse such as small and large pelagics, demersal fish (snapper, grouper), and shrimp. Destructive fishing practices such as blast and poison fishing have major impacts.
Thirdly, habitat degradation: In the last 50 years, the proportion of degraded reefs in the ISLME has increased from 10 percent to 50 percent. Damage caused to coral reefs from blasting and poison fishing is large. Fourth threat is pollution. The pollution in ISLME are both from land and sea based sources. This includes sewage, mining, other industrial wastes, solid waste, marine debris (plastic).
Climate change has been clearly identified as one of the most serious threats to coastal communities in the ISLME, through sea level rise, increasing and more severe storm surges and extreme weather events, increasing and more severe coastal erosion, intrusion of sea water, and other changes to coastal and marine habitats.
In dealing with the threats, GEF/FAO is implementing ISLME Project to enable transboundary cooperation for sustainable management of the Indonesian seas. The FAO-led GEF project “Enabling transboundary cooperation for sustainable management of the Indonesian Seas” is designed to strengthen regional cooperation and support the effective and sustainable management of the ISLME region.
This project plays a catalytic role in addressing transboundary concerns by assisting Indonesia and Timor-Leste to restore and sustain coastal and marine fish stocks and associated biodiversity. This will be achieved through collaborative development and subsequent implementation of a Strategic Action Programme (SAP).
An agreed-upon and endorsed Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the ISLME region;
Capacity development and support for Integrated Coastal Management through marine and coastal spatial planning at 7 pilot sites;
Demonstrated local action through implementation of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management and the Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture at 7 pilot sites along with habitat enhancement; and participation in regional and global (IW:LEARN) communities for sharing knowledge and experience on International Waters (IW) and Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) issues.
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.
- 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. - 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. - 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.
Recent publications
Terminal evaluation of the project "Enabling transboundary cooperation for sustainable management of the Indonesian Seas"
23/09/2024
The project aimed to play a catalytic role in addressing transboundary concerns to strengthen regional cooperation and support the effective and sustainable...
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
03/09/2024
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a region shared by Indonesia (98 percent) and north coast of Timor-Leste (2 percent). Characterized by...
Strategic roadmap of surveillance for fisheries resources - Fisheries management areas 712, 713, 714 and 573 in Indonesia
24/07/2024
This strategic plan (roadmap) of surveillance was developed to assist policymakers with initiatives to improve monitoring, control and surveillance...
Reports
Terminal evaluation of the project "Enabling transboundary cooperation for sustainable management of the Indonesian Seas"
23/09/2024
The project aimed to play a catalytic role in addressing transboundary concerns to strengthen regional cooperation and support the effective and sustainable management of the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem (ISLME). The project was designed to address strategic issues and priorities of the governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Pivoting from initial challenges, the project delivered the Transboundary Diagnostic Analyses and the endorsed Strategic Action Plans (SAP).
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis
03/09/2024
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a region shared by Indonesia (98 percent) and north coast of Timor-Leste (2 percent). Characterized by warm surface temperature and the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) that contributes to climate regulation, the region is a hub of mega biodiversity with unique habitats and ecosystems that offer high fisheries productivities and various other valuable ecosystem goods and services.
The implementation of fishing e-logbook for small-scale fisheries in Indonesia
09/06/2022
This study provides inputs for Indonesian fishermen and MMAF to implement e-logbbok for small-scale fisheries. This study recommends solution to improve fisheries data collection and fisheries planning process in Indonesia.
Policy brief
Strategic roadmap of surveillance for fisheries resources - Fisheries management areas 712, 713, 714 and 573 in Indonesia
24/07/2024
This strategic plan (roadmap) of surveillance was developed to assist policymakers with initiatives to improve monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in four Indonesian FMAs: 712, 713, 714 and 573. The roadmap development was informed by a previous study on MCS stocktaking effort in the same areas.
Policy brief: Strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance management through national stocktaking in Indonesia
24/06/2024
Monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) is key for fisheries management area (FMA) management, specifically to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to ensure prevention and compliance. This policy brief was developed based on a MCS stocktaking activity in FMAs 573, 712, 713 and 714 of Indonesia. It scrutinized the four dimensions of MCS for the fisheries sector.
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Transboundary Diagnostic Analysise - a Brief
17/05/2024
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a region shared by Indonesia (98 percent) and north coast of Timor-Leste (2 percent). Indonesia and Timor-Leste, with FAO support, formulated the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) in close collaboration with expert stakeholders.
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Strategic Action Programme - a Brief
22/04/2024
The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a region shared by Indonesia (98 percent) and north coast of Timor-Leste (2 percent). Characterized by warm surface temperature and the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) that contribute to climate regulation, the region is a hub of mega biodiversity with unique habitats and ecosystems that offer high fisheries productivities and various other valuable ecosystem goods and services.
Technical plan for marine protected areas to support fisheries management in Fisheries Management Area 714
30/01/2024
There are 44 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 714. These MPAs are designed to support the supply of fish stock by protecting the spawning and nursery ground. This policy brief looks at the current state, the issues and challenges in the conservation areas in FMA 714; and offers some recommendations for future improvements.
Summary for policy: Capacity needs assessment and gap analysis to support the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries' Advance Fisher Village (Kampung Nelayan Maju) Programme in the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem region
23/10/2022
This summary for policy is based on the findings of the capacity needs assessment and gap analysis conducted at the selected 13 villages within the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem (ISLME) region for the implementation of the Advance Fishers Villages programme.
Improving vertical and horizontal governmental collaboration is key for strengthening fisheries surveillance in the Indonesian Sea Large Marine Ecosystem
08/08/2022
This policy brief is a synthesis of the National Coordination Meeting for Developing Alignment Surveillance Mechanism of Combatting IUU Fishing and Improving Fisheries Regulation Compliances of the Indonesia Sea - Part 1: Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 713 for Snapper/Groupers and Mud Crab Fisheries, Balikpapan, Indonesia, 30 November - 2 December 2020 with the GEF/FAO ISLME project support.
Newsletters
News & Story
Indonesia and Timor-Leste commit to partnership for the Indonesian Seas sustainability and acceleration of blue economy
16/01/2024
Indonesia and Timor-Leste vow for continued cooperation to sustainably harness and protect the wide array of fisheries and marine resources
Enhancing commitment, efforts for long-term protection of the Indonesian Seas’s fisheries-marine resources
05/12/2023
FAO, MMAF, MAF committed to accelerate progress under the ISLME project before it ends in December 2023
23/08/2023
Promoting ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA) for improved production, farmers’ wellbeing, governance
14/08/2023
Fisheries and marine stakeholders brainstorm ideas to sharpen the national action plan (NAP)
20/07/2023
Partners
Key information
PROJECT CODE
GCP/RAS/289/GFF
DATES
2018 to 2023
GEO AREA
Indonesia and Timor-Leste
BUDGET
4 million USD
International Instruments
Related Links
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Blue growth - unlocking the potential of seas and oceans
- Voluntary Guidelines for Security Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries
- Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries
Contact
CM Muralidharan
ISLME Regional Coordinator
[email protected]
Amin Salka
ISLME National Project
Officer, Indonesia
[email protected]
Joana Do Rosario Belo
ISLME National Project
Advisor, Timor-Leste
[email protected]