Supporting small-scale fisheries in Southeast Asia: need, challenges, and recommendations

Abstract

This article highlights the results of the Regional Workshop on Towards a New Era of Support for Smallscale Fisheries in Southeast Asia organized on 29–31 August 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Workshop was aimed at 1) compiling the description/recognition/ contribution of SSF in the region (or in each country), 2) obtaining the current concepts and approaches of small-scale fisheries management systems in the region, 3) compiling the critical challenges/needs on smallscale fisheries management in fisheries resources, human, governance, socioeconomic contexts, etc., in the SEAFDEC Member Countries, and 4) identifying the recommendation and ways forward to strengthen small-scale fisheries management in the region that aligns with international norms and regional best practice and guidance. The Workshop was one of the activities of the project implemented by TD in 2020–2024 entitled “Small-scale Fisheries Management for Better Livelihood and Fisheries Resources Project” supported by the Japanese Trust Fund. The Project was in line with the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) to ensure that small-scale fisheries are sustainable for small-scale fishers, fish workers, and their community and society at large.