The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis

Abstract

The Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem is a region shared by Indonesia (98 percent) and north coast of Timor-Leste (2 percent). Characterized by warm surface temperature and the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) that contributes to climate regulation, the region is a hub of mega biodiversity with unique habitats and ecosystems that offer high fisheries productivities and various other ecosystem goods and services. However, its valuable resources have for years been increasingly exploited by various resource users.Indonesia and Timor-Leste, with FAO support, formulated the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) in close collaboration with expert stakeholders. The TDA is an intensive, scientific document that leads to the identification of the five Primary Environmental Concerns (PECs), namely (i) declining productivity and sustainability of ISLME fishery and aquaculture, (ii) degradation and loss of marine habitats, (iii) marine and land-based pollution, (iv) decline of biodiversity and key species, (v) climate change impacts.