SEAFDEC Newsletter Vol.31 No.4

Abstract

During the year 2008, SEAFDEC highlighted its activities on several important areas in line with the priority of the Member Countries. The importance of the fisheries sector in contributing to food security and people’s livelihood has been one of the important agenda not only in the region but worldwide. SEAFDEC has therefore implemented several activities, e.g. supporting sustainable coastal fisheries management and strengthening local organizations in managing fishery resources, improving quality of fish and fishery products, developing/transferring aquaculture technologies appropriate for the remote, rural areas, etc. In particular, with support from the ASEAN Foundation, SEAFDEC also started a series of HRD activities for relevant fisheries officers of the Member Countries aiming to alleviate poverty and enhancing food security through the use of fisheries intervention. Also organized during the quarter was the Global Conference on Small-scale Fisheries, in which SEAFDEC has taken part and publicized the roles and importance of small-scale fisheries of the region including the agreed common-position by the Member Countries. SEAFDEC also emphasized several activities in ensuring sustainable utilization of marine resources. Highlighted activities include those on conservation and management of sea turtles, fishery resources surveys which also accommodate the research and sighting survey of Cetacean species, etc. In November, the annual SEAFDEC Program Committee and FCG/ASSP Meetings were organized to ensure that the regional priority issues be properly taken up through the SEAFDEC programs and activities.