Fishing Potential in Natuna Waters

The Natuna Sea region not only holds vast oil and gas potential but also abundant fisheries resources. Bordering Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, this area boasts a total potential annual catch of one million tons. The three fish groups with the highest potential are large pelagic fish (621,000 tons), demersal fish (334,000 tons), and small pelagic fish (66,000 tons) per year.

This significant potential has led to the complete closure of foreign involvement in the capture fisheries sector in the Natuna region, as stipulated in Presidential Regulation Number 44 of 2016 concerning the List of Closed Business Fields and Open Business Fields. The closure of foreign investment in capture fisheries aims to provide greater access for local investors.

Beyond capture fisheries, the development of the fisheries industry in the Natuna region is also geared towards the industrial sector. The government plans to build an integrated marine and fisheries center to increase the management of capture fisheries from 9.3 percent to 40 percent of sustainable fish stocks. Specifically in the fish processing industry, 100 percent foreign investment is permitted.