Potential : Indonesian Fisheries Exports in America

In order to increase exports of fishery products, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) participated in the Seafood Expo North America (SENA). This exhibition was held from 12 – 14 March 2023 in Boston, United States of America.

“Indonesia’s participation in this exhibition is a concrete step for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. So, it strengthens the export market and branding of fishery products,” explained the Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP) Ishartini in a written statement (14/03/2023).

As reported by validnews.id, Ishartini confirmed that KKP representatives would hold a number of business meetings. Among them is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This meeting was held to consult on the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) implemented by the US.

SENA 2023

Director of Logistics for the Directorate General of PDSPKP Berny A Subki also gave his comment. He said that the SENA 2023 event could be a momentum for Indonesian fishery export. In 2022, the US market experienced a slight slowdown as a result of the global economic downturn. However, in 2023 it is expected to improve again.

“Therefore, with the participation of the Indonesian Pavilion in SENA 2023, it is hoped that we can seize this market opportunity. This is done by showing that Indonesian products are not inferior to other countries. Starting from the side of product quality and safety, as well as other market requirements,” said Berny.

For your information, SENA is the largest seafood exhibition in America. The exhibition features more than 50 countries. The profile of visitors to this exhibition includes importers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, caterers, food services, wholesalers, manufacturers and other seafood industry professionals.

Through this exhibition, KKP brought in 14 Indonesian fishery exporters. Products on display include frozen peeled shrimp, canned crab meat, frozen tilapia filets, tuna loin, canned tuna, and others.

Indonesian Fisheries Potential

According to indonesia.id, Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest sea area in the world. The vastness of this ocean means that Indonesia has enormous fish resource potential (SDI).

In Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 19 of 2022, SDI is divided into nine groups. Starting from small pelagic fish, large pelagic fish, demersal fish, coral fish, Penaeid shrimp, lobsters, crabs, crabs and squid.

The SDI potential reaches 12.01 million tons per year in 11 fisheries management areas (WPP). Of the total potential, the permitted fish catch is 8.64 million tons per year.

The largest fish potential is in the Republic of Indonesia State Fisheries Management Area (WPPNRI) 718 with an estimated potential of 2.64 million tons per year. So, the amount of fish catch allowed in this area is 2.11 million tons per year.

Furthermore, the fish potential in WPPNRI 573 reaches 1.34 million tons per year, and with a permitted fish catch of 985,645 tons per year.