4,100 Freshwater Fish Fingerlings Distributed Across Five Residential Islands

The Thousand Islands Food Security, Marine and Agriculture (KPKP) Sub-agency has distributed 4,100 freshwater fish fingerlings to institutions, schools, and residents on five residential islands.

The harvest can later be used to meet their families' nutritional needs

Gama Eka Anantha, head of the sub-agency's Marine and Fisheries Section, said the fingerlings were distributed to Pramuka, Untung Jawa, Tidung, Pari, and Kelapa islands.

Fishery Product Diversification Training Held on Three Islands

"We distribute not only marine fish fingerlings but also freshwater fish fingerlings to make productive use of residents' yards and public facilities through pond-based fish farming," he noted on Friday (10/2).

Gama explained that the distribution is being carried out in stages to encourage independent fish farming and strengthen household food security in the Thousand Islands. At schools, the program can also serve as a hands-on learning activity, giving students an opportunity to learn about fish farming while developing an interest in the fisheries sector from an early age.

"For residents, the harvest can later be used to meet their families' nutritional needs," he added.

The Thousand Islands KPKP Sub-agency also provides technical assistance on fish care and maintenance to help ensure the fingerlings grow well through harvest, he said. 

Gama encouraged all recipients to maintain their ponds and fish over the long term, so the program goes beyond distributing fingerlings and provides lasting benefits for local food availability.

"We encourage beneficiaries to maintain their ponds sustainably so that the harvest can support local food availability in the Thousand Islands," he said.

Meanwhile, Hasanudin, 59, a resident of Kelapa Island who received the fingerlings, welcomed the assistance. He said the fish would help meet his family's food needs while also giving residents and children an opportunity to learn about fish farming.

"This assistance is very useful. In addition to being raised for family consumption, the fish can also teach children how to care for and raise fish," he said.