The SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Ms. Malinee Smithrithee, and the SEAFDEC Secretariat Policy and Program Coordinator, Dr. Worawit Wanchana, participated in the 7th Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop (GFETW) from 30 July to 4 August 2023 in Halifax, Canada. Organized by the International Monitoring Control and Surveillance (IMCS) Network, the Training Workshop was attended by international experts, maritime security personnel, military personnel, coastguards, as well as national and regional fisheries officers representing administrations and organizations committed to fisheries compliance and enforcement as well as fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU fishing). With the theme “Moving from Words to Action – Innovative Collaborative Partnership to Combat IUU Fishing,” the participants engaged in discussions on addressing key issues and challenges in fisheries MCS.
During the 7th GFETW, Ms. Malinee emphasized in her presentation the collaborative efforts of SEAFDEC Member Countries in combatting IUU fishing. She also underscored the regional commitment to fostering sustainable fisheries practices. Additionally, Dr. Worawit delivered a presentation titled “Expanding Networking and Cooperation at Regional and International Levels for Combating IUU Fishing in Southeast Asia.” He also played an active role in a panel discussion themed “MCS for Coastal and Community Fisheries.”