Lessons and Approaches Towards Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries Management in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Acknowledging the critical importance of small-scale fisheries to the livelihoods of communities and the sustainability of marine resources, SEAFDEC implemented the project “Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Better Livelihood and Fisheries Resources”, supported by the Japanese Trust Fund (JTF) 6-2, which ran from 2020 to 2024. The Project aimed to enhance local livelihoods while ensuring the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries through the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). The components of the Project include the practical application of EAFM principles in designated pilot learning sites in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand; capacity development to enhance the livelihoods and well-being of small-scale fishers; and gender empowerment for sustainable fisheries management.

During the implementation of the Project, key lessons were learned, which include community engagement and participation in fisheries management, capacity building and education in sustainable fisheries management, sustainable livelihoods beyond fishing, fisheries management through digital data collection, socioeconomic assistance for small-scale fishers, and gender integration in fisheries management. Nevertheless, several needs and challenges in small-scale fisheries were identified, including overfishing and resource depletion, legal and governance frameworks, climate change and extreme weather events, economic stability and access to financial resources, community engagement and governance, gender equality and empowerment, habitat restoration and protection, capacity building and knowledge transfer, market access and economic diversification, sustainability and environmental awareness. This article features the valuable insights and experiences generated from the implementation of the Project, revealing effective practices and strategies for managing small-scale fisheries in the Southeast Asian region.