This activity is one of the largest tropical eel restocking efforts in Sulawesi and aims to restore eel populations, support ecosystem sustainability, and strengthen responsible fisheries management in the region.
SEAFDEC Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Koichi Tahara, emphasized the ecological importance of Lake Poso as a key habitat for tropical anguillid eels in Southeast Asia. He expressed his appreciation to the Poso Regency Government, APINDO Central Sulawesi, MMAF, the SEAFDEC Secretariat, IFRDMD, and all local partners for their strong collaboration, noting that such cooperation is essential for long-term sustainable fisheries management. He also highlighted that SEAFDEC’s ongoing work in Poso, supported by the Japanese Trust Fund and the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund, contributes to improving stock assessment and advancing sustainable eel resource management.
Chairman of APINDO Central Sulawesi, Mr. Wijaya Chandra, stressed the need to build a sustainable eel industry in response to rising global demand, which has reached up to 120 tons per month from major export markets. He explained that tropical eel restocking helps reduce fishing pressure on natural stocks while ensuring the long-term stability of eel-related industries.
Representing the Regent of Poso, H. Sukimin, Assistant III for General Administration, reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to protecting the Lake Poso ecosystem. He stated that eel sustainability relies on a healthy natural habitat and noted that eel is one of Poso’s valuable economic commodities that must be managed responsibly. On behalf of the Regent, he officially opened the restocking ceremony and expressed gratitude to the SEAFDEC Secretariat, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, APINDO, and all partners for supporting sustainable fisheries initiatives in the region.
The restocking activity followed Indonesia’s 2021 Technical Guidelines, which include ecological assessment, selection of healthy juvenile eels, proper handling and acclimatization, release procedures, and post-release monitoring. Technical procedures were delivered by Mr. Doni Armanto from MMAF, who emphasized the importance of proper documentation and reporting for ensuring accountability and program success.
Held under the theme “Restocking today, sustaining for the future”, the event brought together government institutions, technical agencies, community organizations, private sector representatives, and international research teams. This initiative is expected to strengthen Poso’s potential as a center for sustainable eel development while preserving Lake Poso as a critical habitat for the tropical eel life cycle.