Indonesian Waters Enter Early Phase of Rising Marine Productivity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has identified a marine phenomenon with the potential to boost productivity and increase fish catches in several Indonesian waters. The phenomenon, known as upwelling, occurs when nutrient‑rich water masses rise from the ocean floor to the surface.

Principal Researcher at BRIN’s Climate and Atmospheric Research Center, Widodo Setiyo Pranowo, said early signs of upwelling have been detected in the Indian Ocean south of Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, the Sawu Sea, and the Timor Sea. However, the intensity remains weak to moderate.

“Based on predicted oceanographic parameters for June 1–7, 2026, early signs of upwelling activity have begun to appear in several Indonesian waters. However, the intensity is still weak to moderate and not evenly distributed spatially,” Widodo said in a statement on Monday, June 8, 2026, as quoted on BRIN’s official website.

He explained that signs of upwelling are evident when sea surface temperatures drop, salinity increases, upward currents appear, and chlorophyll concentrations rise. These indicators show nutrient‑rich water being lifted from deeper layers to the surface.

Upwelling plays a crucial role in sustaining marine ecosystems. Nutrients brought to the surface stimulate phytoplankton growth, forming the basis of the food chain for various fish species.

As a result, areas experiencing upwelling generally record higher aquatic productivity, often leading to greater fisheries potential and higher catches for fishermen.

Beyond Indonesia’s southern corridor, BRIN also found evidence of increased productivity in other regions, including the southern and southeastern Banda Sea, the Arafura Sea, waters west of Sumatra extending to the Andaman Sea, and the southern Makassar Strait leading to the Flores Sea.

Widodo noted that productivity in these regions is not solely due to coastal upwelling. Other factors, such as water mixing, ocean current eddies, tidal influences, and oceanographic front interactions, also play a role.

In the Arafura Sea, for example, increased productivity is linked to wind‑ and tide‑driven water mixing. In waters west of Sumatra to the Andaman Sea, it is associated with oceanographic front interactions and the influence of water masses from the Bay of Bengal.

Meanwhile, several regions have not shown significant signs of upwelling. The Strait of Malacca, Karimata Strait, Java Sea, Sulawesi Sea, Halmahera Sea, and western Pacific waters north of Papua remain dominated by relatively warm conditions.

Based on this analysis, BRIN predicts that the initial phase of the 2026 east monsoon upwelling began in early June and will continue developing through July and August.

“Continuous monitoring is needed to assess whether this phenomenon strengthens. Information on upwelling developments is also important to support adaptive and sustainable management of marine and fisheries resources,” Widodo said. (Misni Parjiati)