Enhancing Region Responses to Emerging International Fisheries-related Issues

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

Background

The Southeast Asian region faces ongoing and increasingly complex challenges from emerging international fisheries-related issues. These challenges are driven by changes in global trade dynamics, environmental degradation, and evolving regulatory frameworks. In response, it is critical to strengthen regional capacity to address these challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable fisheries management and conservation. Moreover, proactive measures must be taken to foster resilience in regional fisheries management, ensuring Southeast Asian countries are prepared to respond effectively to emerging threats and capitalize on new opportunities.

Several significant international fora, including UN, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) CBD, World Trade Organization (WTO) have placed increasing focus on the sustainability of aquatic resources and ecosystem, as well as the regulation of fish and fish products in global markets. Over the years, SEAFDEC has closely monitored international issues related to fisheries in Southeast Asia and provided a platform for the SEAFDEC Member Countries to engage in these discussions.

A particularly pressing concern is the proposed listing of commercially exploited Aquatic Species (CEAS) in the CITES Appendices, which could have far-reaching implications for fisheries management and the economies of the region. Therefore, it is imperative to stay informed about developments within CITES and to enhance the capacity of SEAFDEC Member Countries to comply with CITES standards. Strengthening collaboration among ASEAN Member States is also essential to ensure that the ASEAN’s collective opinions are effectively incorporated into the CITES decision-making process.

Furthermore, this project supports the broader objectives of global cooperation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG14: “Life Below Water”. By raising awareness of international fisheries-related issues and promoting capacity building, SEAFDEC continues to support the sustainable use of inland and marine fisheries resources across AMSs.

Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, this project aims to strengthen regional capacities for sustainable fisheries management practices in Southeast Asia, aligning with international commitments and ensuring the conservation of inland and marine resources. Ultimately, it will contribute to safeguarding the livelihoods of inland and coastal communities while addressing critical global and regional challenges.

Goal

To ensure the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources by fostering effective and collaborative regional approaches that address international fisheries-related issues, while promoting the long-term conservation of inland and marine ecosystems and enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of inland and coastal communities.

Objective/Outcome

To enhance the capacity of SEAFDEC Member Countries’ officials to effectively understand, assess, and respond to emerging international fisheries-related issues and challenges.

Outputs and Activities