SEAFDEC Newsletter Vol.46 No.4

Abstract

During the last quarter of 2023, SEAFDEC organized several important events, such as the “Forty-sixth SEAFDEC Program Committee Meeting” which discussed and reviewed the progress and achievements of SEAFDEC programs, projects, and activities implemented in 2023 and proposed for 2024; and the “Twenty-sixth Meeting of the Fisheries Consultative Group (FCG) of the ASEANSEAFDEC Strategic Partnership (ASSP)” which addressed the policy considerations that are significant to the fisheries sector in the region.

Toward strengthening capacity, SEAFDEC convened several trainings/workshops for concerned fishery officers from the ASEAN Member States during this quarter such as “Advanced Aquaculture Technologies for Commercially Important Commodities in Southeast Asia” which aimed to enhance expertise in various aspects of aquaculture such as biology, broodstock management, hatchery and breeding technology, and disease management; “UNCLOS 1982 in Fisheries Perspective” to enhance capacity and knowledge of UNCLOS and its implications on fisheries; “Stock and Risk Assessment of Two Seerfish Species” to enhance knowledge of CPUE standardization and stock assessment analysis using ASPIC, Kobe plot (stock status trajectory), risk assessment, and other applicable mechanisms or methods; “Stock Assessment of Sharks and Rays Using the YPR”; “Energy Optimization for Fishing Vessels and Optimal Post-Harvest Fish Handling Techniques” to boost their knowledge of responsible fishing practices that are sustainable and environment-friendly; financial access and micro-insurance for small-scale fisheries, marine steering gear system. “The Regional Technical Meeting on Responsible Fishing: ALDFG and Marking of Fishing Gear” was also organized which aimed at enhancing human resources capacity on ALDFG and fishing gear marking as well as sharing information on the national policies, research activities, and best practices on ALDFG and fishing gear marking.

To enhance the collaboration with various organizations and agencies, SEAFDEC cohosted the “2023 ASFA Advisory Board Meeting” that discussed the progress of activities of the respective ASFA Partners as well as the potential contributions to other works. SEAFDEC also participated in the regional inception meeting of the BOBLME II that presented the overview and current status of BOBLME II and Project Institutional Arrangements. Courtesy calls were also made by SEAFDEC on various agencies and institutions in Japan which aimed at strengthening the collaboration between SEAFDEC and the Government of Japan as well as relevant fisheries and aquaculture agencies and institutions.

At the last quarter of 2023, SEAFDEC bid farewell to Dr. Rudi Alex Wahyudin and welcomed Mr. Andi Soesmono as the new Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD starting 14 December 2023.