SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Duration: 2020–2026
Donor: Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF)
Lead Department: SEAFDEC Secretariat
Background
Current Problem
Through the progress and results of the current (first phase) project implemented by SEAFDEC in close cooperation with AMS, it has become evident that the implemented activities in regard to the management of tropical anguillid eel resources in AMS are still at the initial stage. The trends of stock abundance, areas of distribution, and stock structure of the tropical anguillid eel species are unknown, and consequently a lack of the relevant information prevents AMS from determining the allowable catch limit of tropical anguillid eels. In order to control and manage the eel resources for the sustainable use and long-term persistence, it is necessary for AMS to develop and improve tools/methods for the sound management of the anguillid eel resources.
Globally, the conservation and management of the eel species are currently main issues to be addressed adequately. For example, a lack of proper legal framework results in the failure in eel fisheries management. Legally-binding fisheries management measures specific to the tropical anguillid eels have been so far limited and implemented only in two AMS (i.e. Indonesia and Philippines) that restrict exporting the tropical eels at a certain size. It is urgently needed to formulate effective management measures based on eel stock and precious distribution, and diversity in Southeast Asia in continued cooperation and coordination within AMS.
Regionality
Southeast Asia is home to several tropical anguillid eel species (e.g., Arai et al., 1999). Eight species/subspecies of the tropical anguillid eels distribute in the Indo-Pacific region. Similar to European eels, American eels, and Japanese eels in their native ranges, the tropical anguillid eels are utilized in Southeast Asia for the direct human consumption locally as well as for the trade globally. The recent listing of European eels in the CITES Appendix II in 2007 as well as the recent export ban of those from the EU member states in 2010 may result in increased exploitation of the tropical anguillid eels. Therefore, it is important for AMS to develop effective management policies and actions for the sustainable use of the tropical anguillid eels in Southeast Asia.
Project History
The two-year first phase project entitled ‘Enhancing Sustainable Utilization and Management Scheme of Tropical Anguillid Eel Resources in Southeast Asia (August 2017 – July 2019)’ has been implemented since July 2017 by SEAFDEC in close cooperation with AMS to develop eel fishery statistics & data collection system, examine the status of tropical Anguillid eel species in AMS, and improve eel aquaculture activities. Under the project, surveys were conducted to collect basic eel fishery statistics and data in selected AMS, policy recommendations and guidelines were developed to assist AMS in initiating and improving eel resource management practices in respective countries, and researches were conducted to improve the survival rate of juvenile eels in aquaculture practices. For developing effective resource management measures for tropical anguillid eels, it is essential to develop appropriate methods for assessing a stock of tropical Anguillid eel resources and for estimating the total allowable catch for the sustainable use of the eel resources. This project will therefore allow AMS to obtain all of the required data and information, such as long-term catch data, precise distributions and diversity, and reliable trade data of each of the tropical anguillid eel species. With these data and information, AMS will be able to estimate, for instance, the allowable catch limit to secure the sustainable use of tropical anguillid eel resources.
Goal and Objectives
The objectives of this project are to collect the catch data and biological/ecological information for the
estimation of eel resources stocks, and to develop mathematical/statistical methods for estimating tropical anguillid eel resources stocks in order to formulate effective management measures for the sustainable use of tropical anguillid eels in Southeast Asia
Outputs and Activities
| Outputs | Activities |
| Output 1.1 Catch and fishing effort data for anguillid eel species in AMS are collected | Activity 1.1 To collect data on catches and catch efforts by species and by life history stage (glass eel, and elver/yellow eel) in AMS where eel fisheries occur in order to properly assess stock status. For this purpose, field surveys visiting several places in AMS are also conducted |
| Output 1.2 Biological and ecological data/information of the tropical anguillid eels that contribute to the estimation of eel stock abundance in AMS are collected | Activity 1.2 To collect field data to better understand biology and ecology, including habitat and its surrounding environment, of the tropical anguillid eel species. Field surveys at several rivers in AMS are also conducted |
| Output 1.3 Current distributions of the tropical anguillid eels and their diversities in AMS are identified |
Activity 1.3 To collect genetic data to understand distribution, the level of diversity, and stock structure of the tropical anguillid eel species |
| Output 2.1 Annual catch and CPUE are estimated |
Activity 2.1 Analyze catch per unit fishing effort (CPUE), including accurate data collection through regular surveys and selection of an appropriate catch effort |
| Output 2.2 Methods for the comprehensive stock assessment of tropical anguillid eels are developed |
Activity 2.2 Develop methods for estimating abundance trends of the eel stocks. Making manual for methods of assessment stock on tropical anguillid eel. |
| Output 2.3 Methods for calculation of allowable catch of tropical anguillid eels are developed. |
Activity 2.3 Develop appropriate methods for estimating allowable catch limit that will secure sustainable use of tropical anguillid eel resources |
| Outputs 3 Effective management measures based on assessment of tropical anguillid eel stocks are proposed, formulated and centralized/harmonized to secure sustainable use and long-term persistence of tropical anguillid eel resources in AMS |
Activity 3.1 Examine validities of developed methods of stock assessment for eel resources stocks |
| Activity 3.2 Disseminate developed methods of the stock assessment of tropical anguillid eel to AMS | |
| Activity 3.3 Develop a manual for AMS to formulate the effective resources management based on the assessment of tropical anguillid eel stocks. For the above activities, “Regional Meeting “will be held three times at the inception, mid-term and final of the project period |