SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
As a significant step towards bolstering sustainable fisheries development and management in the Southeast Asian region, SEAFDEC, led by the Secretary-General, Dr. Suttinee Limthammahisorn, along with the Policy and Program Coordinator of the SEAFDEC Secretariat, Dr. Worawit Wanchana, Head of Planning and Project Management Division of SEAFDEC Training Departments (TD), Mr. Isara Chanrachkij, and Fisheries Management Senior Researcher from SEAFDEC/TD, Ms. Panitnard Weerawat, embarked on a courtesy visit to the Director General of Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) and Council Director for Lao PDR, Dr. Kaviphone Phouthavong.
The courtesy visit on 22 and 23 February 2024 fostered discussions and field visits to enhance cooperation between SEAFDEC and Lao PDR in fisheries and aquaculture development and management. On the first day, the meeting was held at the DLF in Vientiane Province where SEAFDEC highlighted its community-based and ecosystem approach to fisheries management training programs and DLF officials explored collaborative opportunities on alternative livelihoods and climate change adaptation in fisheries and aquaculture. Concrete action plans were agreed upon including sharing the design of the mobile hatchery and establishing innovative training methods for inland fisheries stock assessment for fisheries officers. After the meeting, a private fish farm was visited to explore successful aquaculture practices. On the second day, SEAFDEC and DLF officials traveled to Nam Pok and Nam Mone Villages in Vangvieng District to observe fish passage construction sites which provided insights to enhance fish migration and ecosystem health.
