Indonesia’s MMAF Pays a Visit to NFI

An Indonesian delegation visited the National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI’s) office as part of an observational study tour. The group of key-personnel from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) were participating in a week-long visit to Washington, D.C. in order to gain perspective on fishery management.

The tour was part of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Indonesia Marine and Climate Support (IMACS) project. The project seeks to strengthen MMAF’s engagement with local communities and the private sector, and provide technical support for key activities that enable sustainable marine and coastal resources and communities.

During MMAF’s visit to NFI, Crab Council Secretary Gavin Gibbons detailed the Crab Council’s sustainability work in Indonesia through the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Product Association (APRI). Secretary Gibbons stressed the importance of a unified fishery and urged MMAF to encourage when possible non-APRI crab processors to join the industry-led sustainability group.

In addition, NFI’s Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs Lisa Weddig summarized the common causes of rejections for Indonesian seafood products by the FDA, such as Salmonella. To avoid rejection, Mrs. Weddig emphasized a greater awareness of the FDA’s inspection protocol.

Both the NFI Crab Council and MMAF benefited from a further understanding of their roles, responsibilities and interests in the Blue Swimming Crab fishery. The meeting illustrated the necessity of jointly addressing fishery sustainability matters from both industry and regulatory perspectives.