IFRDMD conducts the study of inland waters debris in the Middle Part of the Musi River

From December 2 to 6, 2024, a team from the Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD), led by Mr. Aroef Hukmanan Rais, embarked on a crucial Inland Waters Debris Project Survey in collaboration with the Musi Banyuasin Fisheries Service. Sponsored by the Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund (JAIF), this mission focused on the middle part of the Musi River in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia.

The survey started with a productive meeting with Mr. Hendriyanto, Head of the Fish Resources Division, Musi Banyuasin Fisheries Service. He emphasized the urgent need to address plastic waste pollution caused by domestic and industrial activities. He remarked that this study is vital for guiding local policies on fisheries management, expressing the government’s hope to leverage the survey findings for better environmental strategies.

The IFRDMD team navigated the Musi River, covering key areas from Lumpatan Village to Teluk Kijing Village, including the ecologically significant Lake Cala. They comprehensively sampled fish species and performed water quality assessments at multiple points along the river. The collected samples are sent for analysis at the SEAFDEC/IFRDMD laboratory and the Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension Laboratory under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia.

This survey builds on a previous investigation conducted in August 2024 and paves the way for more extensive surveys scheduled for 2025. By continuously gathering data, IFRDMD aims to develop a clearer picture of microplastic contamination and its impact on inland fisheries, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable management practices.