MDPI was founded in July 2013 as an independent foundation focused on achieving responsible and sustainable fisheries activities and attempting to provide on-going care for the conservation of fisheries resources and ecosystems of Indonesia and the region.

Small-scale artisanal fisheries are the main focus of MDPI’s work. They support the development of the fishing communities and supply chains of these fisheries through programs that support economic improvements and social stability for the people. These activities are conducted within the supply chain of varied seafood products by supporting industry to ‘do the right thing’ regarding sustainability, social aspects and other market- driven demands.

An important aspect of their work is building networks and partnerships with various organizations, such as national and international universities, district, central and provincial governments, development agencies, NGOs, nationally- and internationally-based industry and others. They feel that together they are stronger and the wider the spectrum of work towards sustainability the quicker and more successful the path towards it will be.