The Indonesian Coast Guard has launched the Indonesian Maritime Information Center (IMIC) to tackle illegal fishing and other maritime violations in Indonesia by using high-quality surveillance data and analyses from different ministries and agencies. It will serve as a public-facing data-sharing platform and will help to improve coordination between agencies.
As one of the world’s richest countries for aquatic resources, Indonesia has become a target for
illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Locals often disregard designated fishing zones and use ecologically harmful equipment, while fishermen from neighboring countries routinely exploit Indonesia’s waters, especially in the North Natuna Sea.
IMIC staff, which include maritime security professionals, data analysts, and IT professionals, collect and verify daily maritime data and intelligence from the public, other countries, and agencies such as the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, and the Water and Air Police Corps. IMIC publishes daily updates as well as reports on its website.
(Source: Mongabay)
