http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7652 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:48:11 GMT 2026-04-07T21:48:11Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7651 Fish for the People Vol.23 No.3 This special issue of “Fish for the People” features the articles developed by the Regional Fisheries Policy Network (RFPN) Members in 2025 for Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam during their secondment at the SEAFDEC Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand, for a one-year term. Implemented by SEAFDEC since 2007, the RFPN program has played a critical role in enhancing policy dialogue and fostering regional and sub-regional cooperation in fisheries among the ASEAN Member States (AMSs). Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7651 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7650 Bolstering Legal and Policy Frameworks Toward Effective Management of Fisheries in Cambodia Sunhai, Khan The fisheries sector is a cornerstone of the economy of Cambodia, providing livelihoods for over 1.2 million people and serving as a vital source of animal protein. Despite notable progress in resource management, aquaculture development, and conservation efforts, the sector faces persistent challenges including illegal fishing, habitat degradation, high production costs, and environmental impacts from climate change. The government has implemented a comprehensive legal and policy framework—centered on the Law on Fisheries (2006) and subsequent amendments—alongside community-based management, protected areas, and regional cooperation initiatives. These measures have contributed to increased fishery yields and improved resource stewardship; however, enforcement gaps, socioeconomic pressures, and environmental variability continue to hinder sustainable management. Moving forward, adaptive, inclusive, and innovative strategies are essential to address these complexities, ensuring the resilience of the country’s fisheries sector and the well-being of dependent communities. This article underscores the importance of strengthened enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and climate-resilient policies to realize the sector’s full potential for sustainable development. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7650 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7649 Authorizing Coastal Communities in Fisheries Surveillance: lessons from implementing formal and customary laws in Indonesia Saragih, Rina Fariani Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation, faces persistent challenges in managing its vast marine and fishery resources, particularly the continuing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that causes significant economic and environmental losses. To address inadequate supervision, the government established the Kelompok Masyarakat Pengawas (Pokmaswas) (community-based surveillance group), a formal community surveillance groups operating under state law, alongside existing traditional governance systems known as Masyarakat Hukum Adat (MHA) (customary law communities), which function under customary law frameworks such as Panglima Laot (sea commander) and Awig-awig (customary law). Using the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework, this article features the dynamics and potential synergy between Pokmaswas and MHA. The analysis revealed a substantial overlap in the action arenas as both institutions manage similar coastal and marine resources within often intersecting formal and customary zones. This overlap resulted in functional convergence, particularly in handling violations. Rather than being redundant, such convergence provides opportunities for institutional strengthening: Pokmaswas contributes formal legal authority for addressing major infractions, while MHA provides deep-rooted social legitimacy, effective customary sanctions, and high community compliance. Together, they can bridge the weaknesses of Pokmaswas, such as bureaucratic limitations and resource constraints, by leveraging the trust and local influence of MHA. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7649 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7648 Boosting Sustainable Development and Management of Inland Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture Toward Food Security in Lao PDR Mingmeuangthong, Anousone Although the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a landlocked country without direct access to the ocean, its fisheries sector plays a vital role in national food security, livelihoods, and rural development. The country’s abundant inland water resources such as rivers, reservoirs, floodplains, wetlands, and rice fields particularly the Mekong River and its tributaries, support a rich diversity of aquatic life that sustains millions of people. The fisheries sector in Lao PDR is predominantly small-scale and community-based, providing a critical source of protein and income for rural households. In recent years, aquaculture has grown steadily, helping to meet rising domestic demand and offering potential for export. Recognizing the strategic importance of the sector, the government actively promotes sustainable fisheries development, including encouraging both domestic and foreign business investment in aquaculture. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including overfishing, habitat degradation, weak regulatory frameworks, the impacts of hydropower development, environmental pressures, and climate change. Expansion is also constrained by limited infrastructure and resources. This article explores the current status of inland capture fisheries and aquaculture in Lao PDR, analyzing key challenges and opportunities. It highlights government efforts, in collaboration with regional partners, to improve fisheries governance, strengthen policies, monitor biodiversity, and promote sustainable, climate-resilient aquaculture. This article also underscores the critical role of sustainable fisheries in achieving national food and nutrition security while preserving the country’s natural aquatic ecosystems. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12066/7648 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z