Indonesia delays implementation of new fisheries policy

Indonesia has postponed the enforcement of a controversial fisheries policy based on catch quotas, moving the start date from the beginning of the new year to 2025. The quota-based fisheries management policy, introduced in March, faced widespread criticism from stakeholders, including scientists, fishers, NGOs, and government bodies. Critics cited poor public outreach, concerns about benefiting large industrial fishing outfits, and insufficient preparation. The delay, officially attributed to the need for additional time to prepare fundamental infrastructure, is also speculated to be related to political factors, particularly the upcoming general election in 2024. (Mongabay)