Coral rehabilitation program.

Sebesi Island possesses high marine resource potential that are waiting to be developed. The high fisheries potential at Sebesi Island can be seen from its coastal fisheries and coral reef resources that surround the island. Approximately 107 of 640 households in Sebesi Island are fisherman household that directly depend on the marine resource as a source of livelihood. Most of the coral reef condition in Sebesi Island is in relatively good condition, with pristine beach and mangrove.

Reef fishes monitoring was conducted three times in the rehabilitation area, before and after the rehabilitation action.

The majority of the fishermen use “ketinting” boats with or without engine and use hand line as their fishing gear. The Fishermen fishing in traditional fishing grounds therefore are highly dependant on the condition of their fishing ground. Threats to the fisheries on Sebesi Island come from illegal fishing activities, including bomb/ blast fishing and cyanide fishing, usually by fishermen from outside the local community. Fishermen from outside the area also use larger nets (jaring), i.e., lift nets (bagan), drift nets and trawls, to catch squid, teri and tembang (Clupea sp = herring/ sprat or sardine).

Over the years trawls operate through these traditional fishing grounds causing major damage. For that reason, the traditional community formed a local marine patrol to control the trawl fishermen in the traditional fishing ground. In 2001 socialization was conducted to outside fishermen on the traditional fishing ground.

In addition to the protection of Sebesi Island traditional fishing ground, the community understands the importance of protecting the coral reef area. The community established a no take zone that is managed by Marine sanctuary Management Body (BP-DPL) to protect the area. BP-DPL also established a rehabilitation program in the area.