JAYAPURA - The Papuan Marine and Fisheries Service encourages the level of fish consumption in Keerom Regency which is still low.

The fisheries potential in the district is still relatively small.

"Because the development of fisheries is only catfish so we must continue to push it," said Acting Head of the Papua Marine and Fisheries Division, Carlos Matuan to RRI in Jayapura, Thursday.

Nevertheless, the level of fish consumption in Papua reached 75.72 kg per capita this year.

This figure is higher than the national average of 56.49 kg per capita.

Even the amount of fish production in Papua is quite high, it is distributed to Keerom Regency.

"But it goes back to the purchasing power of the local community."

"Bringing in fish from the nearest area can be done but the purchasing power of the community is less," he said.

Carlos said that Papua's capture fisheries production was 163,644 tons. Includes large pelagic fish, small pelagic fish, demersal fish and reef fish.

"The contribution is from eight coastal districts/cities in Papua. Not only that, Papua also has four fishing ports that have the potential to be managed to increase capture fisheries production," he said.

Carlos added that with this abundant amount of fish production, his party is ready to support the free nutritious meal program (MBG).

They will also prepare infrastructure facilities in certain areas to maintain the quality and level of fish production. ***