The Riau Islands Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT) oversaw the first export of live fish from Natuna Regency to Hong Kong, with an economic value of Rp 861 million.
Iwan Setiawan, Head of the Natuna Quarantine Service Unit (Satpel), confirmed from Natuna on Monday that the live fish were shipped by sea, with a transport vessel departing from Sedanau Port, West Bunguran District, bound for Hong Kong.
The total Indonesia’s live fish exported reached approximately 8.3 tons, or 8,326 fish. The shipment was dominated by high-value grouper, a mainstay of Natuna’s fishery exports.
The fish species included 1,320 sunu groupers, 1,222 cantang groupers, 1,150 cantik groupers, 1,050 tiger groupers, 1,010 mangrove groupers, and 2,153 other grouper species. Additionally, 421 parrotfish were exported.
“The quarantine and inspection process was carried out from February 1st to 2nd, 2025. The ship departed for Hong Kong at 3:00 PM WIB,” said Iwan.
He explained that the exported fish underwent strict quarantine inspections, starting with verifying the completeness of documents, such as packing lists and invoices submitted by service users through the Best Trust app, and physical inspections of the carrier.
In addition to the physical inspection, the fish also underwent laboratory testing to ensure they were healthy and disease-free.
Based on the results of the inspection, the fish were declared to meet health requirements, so that a fish health certificate was issued as one of the main requirements for shipping abroad.
“Once the documents are declared complete, physical inspections of the fish and laboratory testing will be carried out,” he said.
According to Iwan, strict quarantine supervision aims to maintain the trust of export destination countries. Hong Kong, he said, is known for implementing high standards for imported fishery products, making the role of quarantine a crucial factor in smooth exports.
“The presence of the Riau Islands Quarantine in Natuna is expected to continue to guarantee the safety and quality of fishery products, while simultaneously boosting Natuna’s marine potential to compete in the international market,” he said.
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