SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
The virtual seminar “Opportunities in the Time of Crisis: adaptations of Thai fisheries sector during COVID-19” was organized by the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Thailand on 15 March 2021. The aim of the Webinar was to exchange information on the prevailing difficulties faced by the fisheries sector due to COVID-19. The panelists of the Webinar include former Director-General of Department of Fisheries, Thailand, Mr. Niwat Sutheemeechaikul, representative from Thai Tuna Industry Association, Dr. Chanintr Chasarapong, and SEAFDEC Secretary-General SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Ms. Malinee Smithrithee. There were more than 160 online and on-site participants during the Webinar including lecturers, university students, officers from the Department of Fisheries of Thailand, representatives from the private sector, and others.
During the session, Ms. Malinee made the presentation on the current situation of the commercial fisheries, small-scale fisheries, and aquaculture in the Southeast Asian region focusing on the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic which include disruptions in several fisheries activities and decreased demand on fish and fishery products. She also presented the key findings of the activities related to the assessment of the impacts of COVID-19 on fisheries sector of the region which include the FAO survey, INFOFISH trade news, and SEAFDEC webinar.