Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries investigates tuna vessel violations in Benoa

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is investigating alleged violations involving several tuna vessels at Benoa Public Port in Bali. The investigation follows reports from fishermen, business actors, academics, community organizations, and investigative media coverage regarding potential illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) practices.

Lotharia Latif, Director General of Capture Fisheries at KKP, stated that the ministry is working with the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance to verify vessel permits, including Fishing Licenses (SIPI) and Fish Carrier Vessel Licenses (SIKPI). The probe also includes checking vessel registration in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV) and ensuring field activities match official documentation.

Benoa Port is a critical hub for Indonesia’s tuna industry, particularly for longline fishing, accounting for more than half of the country’s tuna landings in recent years. Vessels found in violation of regulations face sanctions ranging from administrative fines and permit suspensions to the revocation of business licenses.