US, Indonesia Collaborate on Marine Conservation: Ambassador

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake said the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has planned to cooperate with the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in marine conservation.

"We talk about all aspects of marine cooperation, including  marine conservation because we have very good programs through USAID," Blake said here on Thursday.

According to him, the cooperation is an effort to manage the marine conservation, preserve marine resources and create marine protected areas.

It was discussed in his first meeting with Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti but both parties had yet to sign a memorandum of understanding.

Therefore, Ambassador Blake suggested that a further conversation related to the marine conservation be needed to pave the way for the preservation of marine biodiversity.

The United States has so far collaborated with Indonesia in dealing with illegal fishing issues, he said adding that his government would also provide facilities for improving Indonesia's capability to oversee its waters.

Ambassador Blake has met with Minister Susi Pudjiastuti for talks about bilateral cooperation in sea oversight.

At the meeting, Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said she explained to the ambassador a plan to change the pattern of the fishing industry to comply with the rules of the environmental protection and sustainable development. (WDY)