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Marine Affairs Ministry Works With Morotai Ahead Of Tuna Season
WINDONESIA May 21, 2024
Two fishermen weighs a tuna. (ANTARA/HO-Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry Public Relations).
The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry and the Morotai Regency Government in North Maluku Province are preparing measures in anticipation of the peak tuna season to avoid potential losses from the accumulation of catches at the local port.
"Minister Trenggono's message is clear, the price of fish should not be disproportionate to avoid harming fishermen," Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry's Marine and Fisheries Products Competitiveness Improvement (PDSPKP) Director-General Budi Sulistiyo stated in Jakarta on May 20, 2024.
Budi explained that, based on coordination with the local provincial government body, private firm Nutrindo Fresfood International is ready to provide transport ships to Morotai. The company will purchase and transport tuna to Bitung City, North Sulawesi Province.
He added that six chest freezers have been distributed to Morotai, which consisted of five 300 liter (L) capacity units and one unit with a 750 L capacity. Those freezers could help maintain the quality of the fishermen's catch for a time.
Furthermore, there are currently two fishermen Joint Business Groups (KUB) and three suppliers interested in collaborating with Nutrindo, according to information from the Morotai Regency Government's Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) for the use of transport ships to Morotai for the purchase and transport of tuna to Bitung.
"That means we facilitate business players, and the fishes will be purchased according to local market mechanisms and prices," Budi explained.
The Director-General assured that his team will continue to monitor developments in Morotai as part of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry's support for fishermen.
Previously, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono stated that the protection and empowerment of small fishermen are part of the priorities for the ministry's policies and programs.
He also said that the ministry has five major programs designed to support Indonesia's blue economy. They are done to improve the welfare of fishermen and communities dependent on the maritime and fisheries sector.
Source: www.antaranews.com