The ASEAN-Australia Indo-Pacific Workshop on the Use of Technology for Sustainable Aquaculture took place on May 21-22 at the Intercontinental Hotel Sanur in Bali, Indonesia. This event brought together key stakeholders from the region to discuss and advance sustainable aquaculture practices, with a particular focus on shrimp farming.

Opening Remarks Emphasize Economic and Food Security

In his opening remarks, Indonesia’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Prof. Dr. Rudy Heriyanto Adi Nugroho, underscored the importance of sustainable aquaculture. He highlighted that developing this sector is crucial for meeting future food needs and driving national economic growth.

Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald, represented Australia at the workshop. She reiterated Australia’s commitment to ASEAN and cooperation with the Pacific region, particularly in supporting the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This strategy, endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), includes promoting sustainable aquaculture practices as a key component.

Expanding ASEAN’s Reach to the Pacific

The Secretary of the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia emphasized ASEAN’s goal of promoting a more inclusive Indo-Pacific. This involves expanding collaborations with Pacific countries to engage in blue economic projects, including sustainable aquaculture initiatives that benefit all participating nations.

The workshop served as an implementation of the “ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises.” This statement, along with commitments made during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in March in Melbourne, focuses on prioritizing food security, sustainability, and the digital economy.

Field Visit to Superior Shrimp and Shellfish Broodstock Production Center

A highlight of the workshop was the visit to the Superior Shrimp and Shellfish Broodstock Production Center (BPIUUK) in Karangasem. Here, participants observed firsthand the technological advancements in shrimp and shellfish broodstock production, showcasing practical applications of sustainable aquaculture techniques.

In addition to ASEAN member countries, the workshop welcomed representatives from Timor-Leste, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat.