The Coral Triangle Center (CTC)
Banda Islands Deep-Water Snapper Fisheries Pilot Project.
Lead: Jos S. Pet
The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) is a foundation based in Bali, Indonesia, with a regional scope and local focus at demonstration sites in Indonesia. The CTC works closely with coastal communities, the private sector, governments, and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, to strengthen marine resource management in the Coral Triangle. An important part of this work focusses on the sustainability of resource use in coastal marine ecosystems at pilot project sites, including the Banda Islands. In cooperation with MMAF and partners, the CTC implements a capacity development program that covers a range of marine and fisheries management issues, with the safeguarding of marine-based livelihoods and food security high on the priority list. CTC staff develop training modules and curricula, and deliver training on various topics related to sustainable marine resource use, MPA management, and sustainable fisheries.
CTC contracted PNCI for 2 years to support their Banda Pilot project. This project includes the design of a deep-water snapper fisheries monitoring program for the Banda Islands, which will be based on an initial frame survey that will include mapping of the full complexity of the local fisheries. Besides the complete fleet structure, the deep demersal fishing grounds will also be mapped, to enable later discussions on the development of a TURF-RESERVE management plan that includes a component of effort regulation within TURFs. A sample of around 25 individual fishers with their boats will be selected to represent the total fleet and to collect the image-based data for stock assessment. Participating fishers will be trained in the data collecting with cameras and measuring boards, while they will carry GPS tracking devices on board to collect data on fishing positions. Capacity will be developed at the CTC to analyse images provided by participating fishers, through implementation of a target species ID training program that will include participants from local fishing communities, fisheries management institutions, CTC staff and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate. Capacity will also be developed at the CTC to maintain (or participate in outsourced maintenance) of a size-based stock assessment program for the Banda Islands deep demersal fisheries.