Small-scalers competition in the fisheries of Demak regency, Indonesia: Between conventional fishers Vs the baby trawlers

Title : Small-scalers competition in the fisheries of Demak regency, Indonesia: Between conventional fishers Vs the baby trawlers

Abstract:

Demak Regency is located on the north coast and is an essential small-scale fisheries enclave in Central Java. The potential for the Blue Economy is very promising, although it has yet to be utilized optimally. Many Baby-trawl (local name: Arad) are operated in the waters of Demak. Although a baby (tiny in size), it has a destructive character, such as a trawl, since it will drag all fish and creatures with a tiny mesh-size net. Meanwhile, the other small- or medium-scale gears are operated using a conventional system. This conventional fishing method, while less harmful than the baby-trawl, still faces challenges in sustainability and efficiency. 

The objective of this research is: (1) to estimate the economic & environmental impacts incurred by the two dichotomous fishing gears. (2) to develop a win-win strategy to improve the welfare of small-scale fishers in Demak as one of the supports for realizing a blue economy. Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to analyze data from in-depth interviews with competent stakeholders. 

The study found that in order to boost the blue economy, more ecologically friendly practices must be implemented, as well as investments in technologies that promote responsible fishing while maintaining marine biodiversity. These innovations may include the creation of selective fishing gear to reduce bycatch, as well as enhanced monitoring systems to assure regulatory compliance. By encouraging collaboration among fishermen, scientists, and policymakers, we may develop a sustainable fishing framework that combines economic requirements with ecological preservation. This joint strategy will not only help to sustain fish populations, but will also benefit coastal people that rely on these resources for their livelihoods. Finally, prioritizing sustainability in the Blue Economy will result in healthier seas and a more resilient marine ecosystem for future generations.

Keywords: competition, small-scale, trawl, collaboration, livelihoods, Demak, Indonesia

Biography:

Indah Susilowati is  a professor at  the Faculty of Economics and Business, Diponegoro University (UNDIP), Semarang–Indonesia.  Expertise: Resource & Environmental  Economics/ Coastal Resource Management/ Community & Gender Empowerment/ Community Development. She was the head of Research Institute of UNDIP and now she is a member of Academic Senate-UNDIP. She is engaged as expert of Ministry of Research Technology and Higher Degree, the Government of Indonesia in the Directorate of: Research, Carrier and Competence, Institutions (for Establishing Study Program), Publication  as reviewer since 2005. She also provides consultancy services to several Local Governments    and  institutions in the region. She is  a member of  Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) and  International Institute of Fisheries Economic and Trade (IIFET).  She is elected for the second period as a member of the 15th Council of the Asian Fisheries Society for the period 2025 – 2028.   Professor Susilowati has been involved in several of the Asian Fisheries Society’s Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries symposia and has promoted the attendance and presentations by her students. She was a member of the Executive  Committees of GAF-AFS.

She has high commitment in advocating  the  green environment, fisheries management and conflict resolution to the competent communities or  stakeholders. She completed her Master and Ph.D. programs in resource economics from the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Her dissertation (1998) entitled “Economics of Regulatory Compliance with Fisheries Regulation in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”. She did  thesis (1991) entitled :Welfare Impact of Improved Boat Modernisation (IBMS) in Pemalang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia”. Her  B.Sc. was pursued in the Faculty of Economics, UNDIP where she is attached now. She had has presented  and published  papers in national and international forum. She is the country representative of Indonesia for V2V Research Project in collaboration with University of Waterloo, Canada as the HQ.