Fisheries

Empowering Sustainable Fisheries: APRI Conducts ETP Species Mitigation and Data Collecting Training for Blue Swimming Crab Fishermen in Rembang

Rembang, October 23 — In a major step toward sustainable fisheries management, the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI — Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia) successfully conducted a specialized capacity-building program for local fishermen in Gedongmulyo Village, Rembang Regency.

The training event was divided into two critical sessions: Session I focused on Mitigation and Handling Procedures for ETP (Endangered, Threatened, and Protected) Species & Marine Mammals, while Session II centered on Catch Data Recording.

Fostering Collaboration Between Government and Industry
The event was officially inaugurated and supported by key stakeholders in the marine and fisheries sector:

Mrs. Nurida Andante Islami, S.Pi., M.Si. — Acting Head of the Marine and Fisheries Service (Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan) of Rembang Regency.

Fisheries Coordinators and Extension Officers of Rembang Regency.

Local Village Head (Kepala Desa).

APRI Member Representatives from PT. Phillips Seafood Indonesia and PT. SMB.

Blue Swimming Crab Fishermen Group of Gedongmulyo Village.

This multi-stakeholder presence highlights the cooperative synergy between local government authorities, industrial processing partners, and grassroots fishing communities to protect marine ecosystems while securing local livelihoods.

Session I: Safe Handling and Mitigation of ETP Species & Marine Mammals
As blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) fisheries often interact with non-target marine wildlife, proper mitigation protocols are vital.

Key Benefits of Session I:
Ensuring Safety: Training fishermen on how to safely handle accidental entanglements or catches without endangering themselves or the animals.

Conservation Impact: Ensuring that endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species—such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and other protected marine life—are safely released back into their natural habitats alive.

Ecosystem Preservation: Reducing ecological footprints and fostering harmony between commercial fishing operations and marine conservation.

Session II: Precision Data Recording for Sustainable Fisheries
Accurate data collection forms the backbone of modern fisheries management. Session II equipped fishermen with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain precise logbooks and catch records.

Key Benefits of Session II:
Sustainable Fisheries Management: Accurate data provides clear insights into stock health, supporting long-term resource sustainability.

Product Traceability: Enhances supply chain transparency (traceability), ensuring that blue swimming crab products meet rigorous international market standards and eco-certification requirements.

Data-Driven Policy Making: Empowers government bodies and industry leaders to make informed, accurate, and timely policy decisions for regional fishery management.

Looking Forward
By combining wildlife conservation training with disciplined data recording, APRI and its partners continue to champion responsible fishing practices in Rembang. Initiatives like this bridge the gap between economic sustainability for local fishermen and global marine conservation goals, ensuring that the blue swimming crab fishery remains vibrant for generations to come.