Understanding the shark product market chain is essential for better understanding the Sangihe Islands small-scale shark fisheries. Thanks to the Save Our Seas Foundation, Conservation Strategy Fund Indonesia, and Bekal Pemimpin for their support in conducting a traders survey in June and August 2023.
We estimated that three fishing populations in the Sangihe Islands rely on shark species for a living, one of which is part of our pilot project on Batuwingkung Island.
Shark Product Market Chain
Fishermen cut the shark fins from their bodies at the landing site and sold the fins and flesh separately. Most fisherman in Batuwingkung sell shark meat to the locals at the landing site or bring it to the local market. If the catch is too huge (more than three individuals), they will usually sell it to a shark meat trader.
The traders accept the entire shark and pay the fishermen 4000 to 6000 rupiah per kilogramme of shark meat. In addition to the flesh, fishermen dry shark fins for sale to specialist shark fin traders.
Fishermen often receive 100.000 to 1.600.000 rupiah per kilogramme of dried fins, with larger fins commanding a greater price.
Shark flesh is sold not only in the nearby local market, but also in Manado and the traditional market, as well as in the upper chain in Surabaya. Because of the high price of shark fins in Sangihe, local demand is negligible. As a result, Manado and Surabaya receive the majority of shark fins trafficked.
The Indonesian government’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), regulates shark meat and fin trading outside the Sangihe Islands. The duty for execution shifts to the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Centre (BPSPL).
BPSPL has the jurisdiction to provide licence and legalise traders. There are only two traders in Sangihe with a shark trading authorization and legalisation. We expect that in the future, all shark catch and trading will be public, legal, and trackable.
(Article by: Citra S.,-Project Leader; Understanding the market chain for shark product in Sangihe Islands by conducting the traders survey)
