Implementation and Assessment of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity

Duration: 2024–2026
Donor: Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF)
Lead Department: SEAFDEC/MFRDMD

Background

The marine capture fisheries production in ASEAN Member States (AMSs) showed an increasing trend from 11.9 million metric tons in 2000 to 18.3 million metric tons in 2018 but slightly decreased to 18.2 million metric tons in 2020. Nonetheless, such production in 2020 still contributed approximately 23.1% to the global marine capture fisheries production, with an average increase of 0.33 million metric tons or 2% annually. The rapidly growing fisheries industry in Southeast Asia since late the 1970s has led to increased fishing capacity, especially with the introduction of highly efficient fishing gears such as trawlers and later on purse seiners, as well as to the increasing capacities of processing plants. The expansion of Economic Exclusive Zones (EEZs) to 200 nautical miles without effective Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) and fisheries management schemes was considered as one of the primary reasons that drives the fishing industries to operate illegal fishing activities, later identified as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the EEZs of neighbouring countries. The rising number of fishing vessels in the region coupled with a fast increase in harvesting capacity has not been matched with the development of national capacities and regional or sub-regional cooperation to manage fishing efforts with due consideration given to the sustainability of fishery resources.

This project is aligned with the Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2030 No 7, and 8; and the Plan of Action for ASEAN Region Towards 2030 under A. Planning and Information and B. Fisheries Management. Moreover, this project also supports the implementation of SDG Goal 14 “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”, while contributing to the principles of ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, particularly Openness, Good Governance, and Mutual Benefits. The target beneficiaries are government agencies engaging in fisheries management in all AMSs except Lao PDR.

Goal

In line with the resolution and Plan of Action for ASEAN Region Towards 2030, this project aims to enhance ASEAN cooperation and facilitate the improvement of regional fisheries information systems/mechanisms through the implementation of RPOA-Capacity in the selected pelagic species fisheries management towards resource sustainability and environmental well-being.

Objectives/Outcomes

Assessment on the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action with regard to the management of the fishing capacity and regional fishery information systems/mechanisms is available

Outputs and Activities