SEAFDEC Newsletter Vol.44 No.1

Abstract

For the first quarter of 2021, one of the highlighted events was the launching of the Study on Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Fisheries Sector of the ASEANSEAFDEC Member Countries after the questionnaire and workplan were finalized.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several SEAFDEC activities were organized through online platform such as the online practical workshops on eACDS to train the relevant staff from participating countries and test the eACDS application. Also, SEAFDEC convened the online Briefing on UNEP GEF Implementing the Strategic Action Program for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (SCS SAP Project) to discuss the project design and activities in line with the current national initiatives and priorities.

However, other activities were conducted face to face, such as the onsite training on fish handling with the aim of enhancing the knowledge of small-scale fishers to keep the high quality of fish; data collection to assess the fisheries management which include gender integration and livelihood improvement; data collection for gender analysis of inland aquaculture; and regular survey on eel catch.

To enhance the collaboration with relevant organizations, SEAFDEC continued to participate in online international and regional fora such as the 34th Session of Committee on Fisheries (COFI), the 3rd ASEAN Meeting on Combating IUU Fishing in Partnership with the EU, Review of Illegal Fishing in APFIC Region, which served as platforms for collaborative activities on sustainable development of fisheries in the Southeast Asian region.

In addition, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD launched the book Overview and Perspective of Anguillid Eels Fishery in Southeast Asia that describes the complex life history of anguillid eels especially their journey between marine and freshwater environments.

Lastly, SEAFDEC expressed condolences to the family of Dr. Siri Ekmaharaj who passed on 21 April 2021. Dr. Siri served as the Secretary-General of SEAFDEC from 2005 to 2009. Dr. Siri will always be remembered and forever praised for his management of SEAFDEC that led to great progress of the organization and advanced the fisheries development of Southeast Asia.