Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 21 of 2026 Reduces National Lobster Seed Catch Quota by Up to 50%

Introduction

On April 8, 2026, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (“MoMAF”) issued Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 21 of 2026 on the Estimation of Fishery Resources Potential, Allowable Catch Limits, and Catch Quotas for Clear Lobster Seed (puerulus) ("MoMAF Decree 21/2026"). MoMAF Decree 21/2026 determines the estimated potential of fishery resources and the catch quota for clear lobster seed across all Indonesian territorial waters for commercial fishing activities.

MoMAF Decree 21/2026 implements Article 2 paragraphs (3) and (4) of Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 7 of 2024 on the Management of Lobster (Panulirus spp.), Mud Crab (Scylla spp.), and Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus spp.) as amended by Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 5 of 2026. The magnitude of the potential and allowable catch limits are adjusted to the condition of the resources and serve as a reference for fishing activities to remain within the quota limits.

Comparison

MoMAF Decree 21/2026 revises the Estimated Potential, Allowable Catch Limits (Jumlah Tangkapan yang Diperbolehkan, “JTB”), and lobster seed catch quotas across all Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas (Wilayah Pengelolaan Perikanan Negara Republik Indonesia, “WPPNRI”) compared to Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 28 of 2024 on the Estimation of Fishery Resources Potential, Allowable Catch Limits, and Catch Quotas for Clear Lobster Seed (puerulus) ("MoMAF Decree 28/2024"). The catch quota is set at 50% of the estimated fishery resources potential, which is lower than the previous quota. The comparison is presented in the following table:

Key Provisions

Determination of Estimated Potential and Annual Quotas

The FIRST Dictum stipulates the magnitude of the estimated fishery resources potential, allowable catch limits, and lobster seed catch quotas as set forth in the Annex. These magnitudes are used as a reference in planning the annual catch volume in accordance with the availability of resources in each of the territorial waters.

Enforcement of Catch Upper Limits

The lobster seed catch quota set forth in the Annex constitutes the upper limit of catch within 1 (one) fishing year as stated in the SECOND Dictum. Businesses shall conduct fishing activities in accordance with the stipulated quota and monitor catch realization to ensure they do not exceed such quota.

Species Specifications and Calculation Units

The remarks in the Annex explain that the quota covers lobster seeds of:

1. pearl species (Panulirus ornatus);

2. sand species (Panulirus homarus); and

3. other species.

The volume calculation in fishing and reporting activities uses the unit of individuals.

Transitional Provisions for Catch Quotas

The THIRD Dictum states that Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 28 of 2024 on the Estimation of Fishery Resources Potential, Allowable Catch Limits, and Catch Quotas for Clear Lobster Seed (puerulus) is revoked. Fishing activities and businesses' work plans shall be adjusted to the prevailing catch quota.

Closing

MoMAF Decree 21/2026 determines the estimated fishery resources potential, allowable catch limits, and lobster seed catch quotas across 11 fisheries management areas, with a total quota of 232,896,511 individuals within 1 (one) fishing year, representing 50% of the estimated potential as set forth in the Annex. The quota also constitutes the upper limit of catch and serves as a reference for the implementation of fishing activities for pearl, sand, and other lobster seed species, measured in individuals. The THIRD Dictum states that MoMAF Decree 28/2024 is revoked, and accordingly, fishing activities and businesses' work plans shall be adjusted to the prevailing quota and monitor catch realization to ensure they do not exceed the quota in each fisheries management area.