Awareness of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems is growing among the younger generation. In a coastal village in Indonesia, a group of young fishermen is taking a major step by switching from destructive fishing gear to environmentally friendly ones to protect the coral reefs that are home to thousands of marine species.

From Trawl to Eco-Friendly Net

For years, some fishermen in this area have used equipment that inadvertently damages coral reefs, such as cantrang (trawl nets) or bottom trawls. These fishing gears are known to damage coral structures due to their drag along the seabed.

However, thanks to training from several conservation organizations and support from local governments, young fishermen are now switching to using selective gillnets, modern traps, and pole-and-line fishing gear. These tools not only preserve coral reefs but also more selectively catch fish, preventing populations from being threatened.

Coastal Youth Movement

This initiative for change was spearheaded by a group of fishermen aged 18–30 who call themselves the "Sustainable Sea Youth." They see the sea as more than just a livelihood, but a heritage that must be preserved.

One of the group members said that the condition of the coral in his area was increasingly worrying due to uncontrolled fishing activities.

"If the coral is damaged, the fish disappear. If the fish disappear, who are we to blame? We ourselves. That's why we have to change," he said.

Positive Impact on Ecosystem

After a year of implementing the environmentally friendly equipment, results are starting to show. Regular inspections show an increase in coral cover and the reappearance of several previously rare reef fish species.

According to conservation divers, the previously dull coral is now starting to show bright colors, a sign that the habitat is returning to health.

Economically, fish catches did decline slightly at the beginning of the transition period. However, as the ecosystem recovered, fishermen began to experience more stable and higher-quality returns.

Collaboration between Government and Community

This success is inextricably linked to the collaboration of many parties. Local governments provide subsidies for gear replacement and new permits, while environmental organizations provide training on marine conservation, ecosystem monitoring, and sustainable catch marketing.

Some restaurants in nearby towns have even begun to label their produce as “eco-friendly fish,” increasing the value of the fishermen’s produce.

Protecting the Ocean for the Future

This program demonstrates that change can start in small communities and have a significant impact on the environment. These young fishermen are now examples of how sustainability and livelihoods can go hand in hand.

With recovering coral reefs and more responsible fishing methods, the future of Indonesia's oceans looks brighter. These efforts also open up opportunities for other regions to adopt similar models for preserving the archipelago's marine resources.