Long-standing Threats
Professor H.M. Amin Alamsjah, an expert in Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Airlangga University, commented on this development, stating that the Javanese Ray has long been categorized as a threatened species. The extinction process has been gradual, marked by a progressive reduction in numbers.
The Javanese Ray reproduces through ovoviviparity, requiring suitable environments for breeding. Additionally, it relies on small fish or shrimp as nutrition for survival.
Several factors have contributed to its extinction. These include destructive fishing methods such as blast fishing and the use of chemicals, as well as overfishing in certain areas. Invasive species, habitat degradation due to coastal developments like docks or intensive aquaculture, and habitat extraction activities like sand mining and illegal wildlife trade have also played significant roles.
Human activities have led to ecosystem changes, including water quality deterioration and environmental alterations, affecting aquatic species’ habitats. Prof. Amin highlighted the importance of certain water areas acting as buffers but warned about the risk of exceeding their carrying capacity, leading to ecosystem degradation.
Strengthening Public Education
Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences emphasized that the extinction of the Javanese Ray should serve as a lesson, prompting preventative measures to protect other species. He suggested that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries should create a comprehensive list detailing species statuses and conduct frequent identifications and public outreach, particularly among fishermen.
Furthermore, there is a pressing need to enhance public education on fisheries and marine sciences. He noted that current knowledge often stems from traditional practices rather than theoretical and empirical knowledge. Considering Indonesia’s rich maritime potential, there should be a stronger emphasis on resource management.
He called for robust government efforts to raise awareness about marine resources, not only focusing on fishing but also on processing fisheries and marine products.
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