Indonesia as Paradise of Marine Resources for IORA Member States

Jakarta, IORA - Indonesia is a paradise of marine resources and fisheries for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states so it is necessary that these resources be maintained in a sustainable manner. “Indonesia must urge the 21 IORA member states to ensure that the utilization of fish resources in the Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone must comply with our national regulations," said Executive Director of Center of Maritime Studies for Humanities, Abdul Halim, related to the IORA Leaders’ Summit in Jakarta, Sunday ( 5/3). IORA is a regional organization consisting of 21 coastal countries that are adjacent to the Indian Ocean, based on the principle of open regionalism to strengthen economic cooperation, especially to facilitate investment, promotion and social development in the region. A series of activities will be held during the IORA Leaders’ Summit on March 5-7, 2017 under the theme "Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for Peaceful, Stable, and Prosperous Indian Ocean". Abdul Halim also stated that the regulations established by the Indonesian government related to the management of fishery resources should not contravene the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Earlier, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti in a number of occasions asserted that fishery industry must consider the aspect of sustainability in order to preserve fishery resources in the territorial waters of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The Minister in a written statement received on Thursday in Jakarta stated that we have to pay attention to the growth of fisheries industries and the sustainability of the resources . In this regard, the Minister further said, Indonesia proposed the accountability from various countries in combating illegal fishing. (Ugi/MUR) Source: Antara