Our marine ecosystems are under threat

Viewed from outer space, our continents look small among the vast ocean. That is our planet earth where most of it is covered by blue oceans. The wealth of biodiversity on land is incomparable to what is in the ocean. About 80 percent of all life on Planet Earth is found hidden under the vast pulse of the ocean around our world. Oceans encourage natural forces that nourish life on our planet including keeping our atmosphere functioning properly.

The Indonesian Ocean is undoubtedly one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. Indonesian coral reefs are one of the richest in biodiversity in the world. Reefs in the Raja Ampat Islands are specifically recognized by scientists as the "center" of the world's coral reef biodiversity. Indonesia also has a wide distribution of mangrove ecosystems, even the largest in Southeast Asia, and constitutes 20% of the total mangrove cover in the world.

the richest in biodiversity in the world. Reefs in the Raja Ampat Islands are specifically recognized by scientists as the "center" of the world's coral reef biodiversity. Indonesia also has a wide distribution of mangrove ecosystems, even the largest in Southeast Asia, and constitutes 20% of the total mangrove cover in the world.

Sea crisis, why?

Although there are many conservation initiatives, unfortunately most of Indonesia's vast marine ecosystems are under threat. The latest data (2012) from the LIPI Oceanographic Research Center revealed that only 5.3% of Indonesia's coral reefs were classified as very good, while 30.45% were in bad condition. Indonesia has also lost most of its mangroves. From 1982 to 2000, Indonesia lost more than half of its mangrove forests, from 4.2 million hectares to 2 million hectares.

When Indonesia's fisheries production increases, Indonesia also faces a threat of declining fisheries due to the double crisis of marine ecosystem degradation and overfishing. Compared to 27 other fish producing countries, Indonesian fisheries are most vulnerable to being destroyed based on indicators of coral reef management, fisheries situation and food security.

Some fishing areas in Indonesia have faced the symptoms of overfishing for several important commodity groups, such as large pelagic, small pelagic, shrimp and demersal fish. In other words, Indonesia is now on the verge of fisheries scarcity.

Ironically, small fishermen who feel the impact of the threat of fisheries scarcity. How not, they have to pay more for the fuel (fuel) component, because the fishing ground is getting away. This scarcity is also evident from the diminishing size of the fish, the decrease in the number of catches, and the loss of several species that were once the main catch. Even worse, Indonesian fisheries also face the threat of classic problems of illegal fishing, illegal equipment, and foreigners using large fishing vessels.

classic illegal fishing, illegal equipment, and foreigners who use large fishing vessels.

The causes of damage to marine ecosystems include development in coastal areas, waste disposal from various activities on land and at sea, sedimentation due to damage to upstream and watershed areas, destructive fishing practices that use cyanide and prohibited fishing gear, coral bleaching due to climate change, and coral reef mining. Mining and sedimentation also have significant adverse impacts on marine ecosystems in Indonesia. Resource extraction such as the oil industry and mining has increased in the past 10 years.

Time to act

The Indonesian Sea is an important center of marine biodiversity in the world as well as a valuable fishing ground that provides food and livelihoods for millions of people. We need to ensure that this ecosystem to be maintained for future generations is to restore conditions and protect marine ecosystems, while at the same time limiting overfishing.

Greenpeace believes that Indonesia as the largest archipelagic country can play a major role in voicing and providing solutions to strengthen regional and global initiatives for responsible and sustainable management of the world's marine resources, and the protection of biodiversity. Politically and geographically Indonesia has a strategic bargaining position to improve the management of fisheries resources to encourage change and build regional and global initiatives in tackling fishing in the Asian region.

Greenpeace Indonesia's Marine Campaign aims to mobilize and support the realization of justice and sustainability of fisheries management as well as effective management of marine protected area networks. Greenpeace is building a network of marine defenders to encourage the end of destructive and excessive fishing practices that threaten the sustainability of local people's livelihoods, ecosystem sustainability and marine biodiversity.

Let's join the Indonesian marine campaign to support 100% of Indonesia's protected sea. Join the 100% Indonesian movement.