For over four decades, the high fish diversity of the coral reefs surrounding Bali has been a vital source of livelihood for marine aquarium fishers, particularly along the coast of North Bali. One key fishing village is Les, where marine aquarium fishers share marine resources with the tourism industry along the Tejakula coastline (27.23 km), which also benefits from the beauty and diversity of the coral reefs. In recent years, however, conflicts have emerged between these sectors, with fishers experiencing shrinking fishing grounds as many areas have become restricted, designated as diving-only zones, often near resort developments.
In 2023, all waters in the Tejakula sub-district were officially designated as part of the Buleleng Marine Conservation Area under Ministerial Decree No. 122/2023, covering 9,472.48 hectares. The conservation area consists of two zones: a sanctuary zone, approximately 10% of the area, where only research activities are allowed, and a utilization zone, where activities are permitted as long as they do not harm the ecosystem and resources. The establishment process for the Buleleng Area III Marine Conservation Area involved extensive discussions with various stakeholders over many years. The goal is to implement the conservation area in a way that brings tangible benefits to the coastal communities who depend on these resources.
On October 8, 2024, LINI facilitated a discussion to build understanding among communities and policymakers regarding their rights and responsibilities in utilizing and managing the conservation area. Equally important was the need to foster coordination and communication among marine area users to ensure collaborative management.
Titled “Discussion and Coordination on the Utilization of the Buleleng Marine Conservation Area for Coral Reef Fisheries and Marine Tourism,” the event was well-attended by representatives from the Provincial Office of Marine and Fisheries, fishers and conservation groups, dive resort representatives, and local NGOs. Nengah Sugiarta, a representative of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, emphasized that the conservation area’s purpose is not to restrict use entirely but to ensure the conservation and sustainability of coastal resources shared by the community.
During the discussion, two fishers from Les—Made Partiana and Nyoman Triada—shared their group’s efforts to implement sustainable fishing and conservation practices in the coral reefs of Tejakula District. LINI’s study on fish populations and coral reef conditions over the years supports the aquarium fishers’ claim that their sustainable fishing and conservation efforts have contributed positively to the protection of marine resources and habitats.
Concerns was also raised by village heads about limited coordination between tourism operators, such as resorts, local authorities, and communities—which has led to restricted marine areas due to tourism—were addressed by a representative from the Buleleng Fishery Office. With the newly established Buleleng Conservation Area, marine resource users are expected to collaborate toward effective, equitable management that benefits communities and promotes sustainable practices in Tejakula Sub-district. This meeting marks a significant step forward in developing future collaborative management efforts for the Buleleng Marine Conservation Area.
By Adriel Prayoga, Gayatri Reksodihardjo-Lilley, and Eveline Kurniati
