Promoting Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management: insights from inland fisheries monitoring and evaluation

Abstract

Inland fisheries often receive less attention to their resources compared to marine fisheries despite their crucial role in supporting food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity within freshwater ecosystems. Recognizing this, the Inland Fisheries Resource Development and Management Department (IFRDMD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is actively working on assessing inland fisheries through the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). While EAFM has been widely applied in marine fisheries, its development and implementation in inland fisheries are essential to address the unique challenges and optimize the benefits of these resources. Implementing EAFM in inland fisheries can foster a balance between ecological, social, and economic interests, which is critical for ensuring that inland fisheries continue to be productive and sustainable for both people and the environment. This commitment is evident in a Japanese Trust Fund project titled “Management Schemes of Inland Fisheries in the Southeast Asia Region” aimed at advancing sustainable management practices in inland fisheries across the region.