FRCI is collaborating with Marine Nature Conservation for the Nation (LATUN) in a data collection program for shark and ray fisheries in Bengkulu Province. On Sunday, April 11, 2021, the FRCI and LATUN teams held a discussion on the monitoring and data collection scheme for endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) animals. Some of the animal species of concern are turtles and sharks, especially baby sharks and pregnant sharks. The FRCI and LATUN teams discussed in detail the identification of critical shark habitats on Enggano Island, as well as data collection points for large pelagic, small pelagic, and demersal fisheries in Bengkulu Province. The two sides also seriously discussed the Enggano Island expedition plan to deepen the study of critical shark habitats in the waters of Bengkulu Province.

Following up on the results of the discussion, the FRCI and LATUN teams visited several locations to identify the types of sharks and rays that landed and observe other demersal fisheries activities. The locations visited were (Coastal Fishing Port) PPP Island Bai, Fish Landing Place (TPI) Sikunyit Kaur, and TPI Mana. The team had the opportunity to see firsthand the activities of landing sharks and rays and collect samples of giant guitarfish meat. Based on the results of the field visit, the FRCI-REKAM and LATUN teams agreed to collect data on ETP animal landings at four locations, namely Bai Island PPP, TPI Mana, TPI Muko-Muko, and TPI Sikunyit Kaur. The data collection mechanism was then discussed further with the enumerator team, including discussing the use of the KOBO ToolBox as a data collection tool. To ensure data validity, monitoring and evaluation of data collection activities will be carried out jointly every two weeks by the FRCI and LATUN teams.