BATAMCLICK.COM: The Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) of Riau Islands (Kepri) recorded an impressive achievement in 2024. Natuna Regency successfully exported fisheries commodities valued at IDR 12 billion, primarily to Hong Kong.
Iwan Setiawan, Acting Officer of the Natuna Quarantine Service Unit at BKHIT Kepri, explained that the exports were conducted from Sedanau, Bunguran Barat District, Natuna.
“The main export commodities consist of live fish, with a total of 96,937 fish exported throughout 2024,” Iwan stated during a phone interview from Natuna on Tuesday.
The majority of the exported fish included 89,988 groupers, 3,600 parrotfish, 2,849 lobsters, and 500 Napoleon fish.
“Ships from Hong Kong regularly dock in Sedanau, approximately once a month, to collect these commodities,” he added.
Iwan highlighted that all fish shipments undergo certification to ensure compliance with regulations, maintain population sustainability, and guarantee that the fish are disease-free.
“Before being shipped, the fish are thoroughly inspected in the laboratory and undergo a 14-day quarantine period,” he explained.
He emphasized that all exported fish originate from Natuna’s waters, known for producing high-quality, consumable fish.
However, Iwan revealed that aside from live fish exports, Natuna holds great potential as a gateway for fresh fish exports. Unfortunately, this opportunity has not been fully utilized.
“Currently, fresh fish from Natuna are still exported abroad through export hubs in other regions. These fish are typically transported to other areas first before being exported,” he stated.
With its significant potential in the fisheries sector, it is hoped that strategic steps will be taken to optimize Natuna’s value as a primary export hub, further enhancing its contribution to the regional economy.
Sumber: Antara