Bitung, December 12, 2024 – APSI and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) conducted the first-ever net tagging activity in Bitung to better understand fishing gear life cycles and help protect the marine ecosystem.

APSI member PT. Multipar Sapta Tama participated in the tagging exercise. Though purse seine vessels operating in the open ocean are not prone to net entanglement and loss, there is little concrete data on actual net loss in the fishery. This net tagging pilot is a first step in tracking purse seine nets and better understanding their environmental impacts.

"APSI and PT. Multipar are excited to be part of this initiative. This effort is part of the industry’s environmental stewardship, and we are eager to contribute to its success." -Pak Ghadzali.

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The event marks the start of broader efforts to integrate net tagging into APSI’s fishing practices, ensuring better gear management and contributing to marine conservation.

Moving forward, APSI plans to expand net tagging efforts to more member vessels. Continuous collaboration with relevant stakeholders will be key to refining the program and ensuring its effectiveness in reducing lost gear and maintaining a healthier marine environment.