Understanding the socio-ecological system of small-scale octopus fisheries in North Minahasa to achieve sustainable certification

Abstract

This study aims to comprehend the challenges and opportunities to implement certification in the small-scale octopus fisheries in North Minahasa through the Socio-ecological System (SES). The background of this research is because Indonesian octopus has a potential for export. However, octopus was listed under concern due to unsustainable fisheries practices. In addition, the export activity must be accompanied by an eco-label certification scheme such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Fair Trade (FT). This study used a qualitative case study by online interviews with stakeholders such as fishers, middlemen, exporters, and the government-non government organization. The result was that local actors started to become aware of the octopus improvement program through cooperation with an NGO in a program called Rumah Boboca; hence, it is not ready to implement certification. The recommendation is to support improvement with an octopus national management plan (RPP) and a basic Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).