With 13,667 islands to boast of, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago.Fishing in Indonesia forms one of the primary occupations of the natives as it brings home a large number of fishes which are used for consumption as well as exports. It is a source of animal protein that is readily available to the Indonesians.
A total catch of 4,140,045 in 2000 placed Indonesia on the sixth position in the world fishing market. Fishing is more important than what is shown by statistics because the catch of many part-time fishermen are not considered in the trading business. Commercial fishing is restricted to the narrow strip of inshore waters, especially in northern Java, but fishing is also carried out along the coast and in the rivers, lakes, coastal swamps, artificial ponds, and flooded rice fields.
Previously fishing in Indonesia used to be done by using traditional methods and equipments. But over the years the government has taken care to stock the inland waters, encourage cooperatives to provide credit facilities, introduce improved fishing techniques motorize fishing boats and build or rehabilitate piers. These governmental policies led to an increase in the catch and fish and fish products earned Indonesia $ 1,584,454,000 in 2000. Shrimp and tuna caught for Japan form a substantial share of the fish exports. Illegal fishing by foreign vessels along with environmental degradation affected fishing in Indonesia as it reduced the supply of fish in the waters.
Fishing in Indonesia also is a major tourist activity. Boats, available for the tourists take them to safe places where they can enjoy fishing along with an experience of staying on board and getting a feel of the magnificent seascape. The most popular fishing sites are the Ujung Kulon National park and Krakatoa near Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia).
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