Guest Authors: Ryannyka Dwi Astuti, Eveline Kurniati, and Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley, LINI
For most marine aquarium hobbyists, the journey of a colorful fish from reef to tank is a mystery. For Indonesian fishers, it’s a livelihood facing mounting challenges. To address this, the partners of IndoReefFish are working directly with fishers to improve their methods and protect the coral reefs that serve as vital habitats for aquarium fishes.
This past December, aquarium fishers from villages working with our partners Rare and LINI converged at the LINI Aquaculture and Training Center in North Bali to attend their first-ever training program focused on sustainable fishing.
Participants included nine fishers from Central and Southeast Sulawesi, including the Banggai Islands, two village buyers, and local fisheries managers from each region.
The Trainers
Stakeholders of Indonesia's marine aquarium trade came from across the country to lend their expertise:
- North Bali's Mina Lestari fishers' group
- INOFE: Indonesia's Ornamental Fish Exporters' Association
- Cahaya Baru, a model exporter in the nation
- LINI
Training Topics
Participants expressed gratitude for the new knowledge they gained, and pledged to adopt net-capture methods as part of their dedication to sustainable practices. These fishers have since returned to their villages, sharing their newfound skills with others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This training represents a significant step toward advancing Indonesia’s marine aquarium fish industry by supporting better fish quality, fisher well-being, and the health of marine ecosystems.
IndoReefFish is empowered by its partners: The John G. Shedd Aquarium, Aquarium Fisheries, Rare and LINI; the support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as marine aquarium fishery businesses, associations, and agencies across Indonesia. This program is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
