Fisheries co-management: Small-scale fisher's perception of the function and impact of FCMC ( fisheries co-management committee ) on efforts to improve small-scale tuna fisheries in Buru and Central Maluku regencies

Co-management in small-scale fisheries serves as a strategic approach to bridge the needs of various stakeholders, especially in the complex and high-value management of Tuna fisheries. One form of co-management facilitated by Masyarakat dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI) is the Fisheries Co-Management Committee (FCMC). This study aims to explore fisher's perceptions of the impact of FCMC on efforts to improve Tuna fisheries in Buru and Central Maluku Regencies, Maluku Province. A qualitative phenomenological approach was chosen for this research. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 30% representation of the total Tuna fisher involved in FCMC. The unit of analysis, fisher's perceptions, was examined using the Advocacy Coalition Framework, revealing that fisher interpret FCMC as a vital and necessary dialogue forum between fisher and relevant stakeholders in Tuna fisheries management. Overall, FCMC is considered to have a positive function as a bridge between fishers and authorities; however, there is a need for strengthening in terms of forum sustainability, consistency of policy implementation, and the genuine involvement of government parties in the field.