Enhanced research capacities for sustainable utilization and management of eel and other inland fisheries resources

Duration: 2025–2029
Donor: Japanese Trust Fund 7
Lead Department: SEAFDEC/IFRDMD

Background

The standardized catch data of the fishery, which are the most important primary data for assessing the current stock status and the resource trend of the eel and other freshwater fishes such as gourami still need to be improved. As for tropical eel, IFRDMD has collected catch data, CPUE, and others for stock assessment so that the methodology of data collection can be developed.  The trend of Anguillid eel’s CPUE fluctuated in some areas of the Philippines and Indonesia based on our data. CPUE is an indirect measure to know the stock assessment and trend, therefore we should continue to collect the data of CPUE to understand the current situation. Moreover, catch data of Anguillid eel and other freshwater fish are insufficient in the region. and export data of Anguillid eel is usually mixed with swamp eel. Therefore, a comprehensive management system needs to be established as soon as possible for the conservation and sustainable utilization, and also for the future development of the industry in the region.

It is difficult to assess the biomass estimation, especially in inland fisheries. However, recently hydroacoustic surveys have been researched as a highly effective method for comprehensive and sustainable marine resource assessment. In inland fisheries, biomass estimation methodology should be developed such as hydroacoustic technique. And, to ensure the sustainability of freshwater fish resources, it becomes crucial for conservation and management in the Southeast Asian region. A model that has been developed through JTF 6-2, is Special Area for Conservation and Fish Refugia (SPEECTRA). It is a model on inland fisheries management especially in floodplain areas in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, expected to serve as an artificial fishery sanctuary that functions as fish shelter (spawning, nursery and feeding ground) as well as fish production reserve in the future. There are Model 1 to 5 in SPEECTRA according to shapes of ponds and differences in land use around the ponds. JTF 6-2 program also carried out monitoring of water quality conditions and species composition, and some species can survive in SPEECTRA conditions. Further study is needed to focus on key species and develop the SPEECTRA system to assist conservation areas in AMS.

The Project is relevant to the Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2030 (RES&POA-2030), specifically POA no 5 Strengthen the collection of data and information, where relevant, on species under international concern, e.g. sharks and rays, sea turtles, catadromous eels, aquatic mammals, etc., and harmonize/standardize data collection methods among countries in the region, and POA – No.41 Enhance awareness of the importance of inland fisheries for local food security, and the importance of rehabilitating and restoring habitats for migratory inland aquatic animals, restocking indigenous aquatic species to enhance productivity (with monitoring and evaluation of restocking programs) and encouraging culture-based inland fisheries, where appropriate.

Goal

Promoting the strategies for sustainable eel fisheries, and improving stock data collection in inland fisheries for sustainable fisheries resources to support the food security and livelihood.

Objectives/Outcomes

• SEAFDEC member countries can practice the stock assessment model of Anguillid eels.
• SEAFDEC member countries can enhance knowledge about the biomass estimation methodology and conservation of inland fisheries resources.

Outputs and Activities