| dc.description | Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most biologically diverse, economically productive, and potentially vulnerable marine zones. The fishery production in the region exhibited a continuously increasing trend in terms of volume from 2012 to 2016. Marine fisheries greatly contribute to high-quality seafood and create employment and income for the livelihood of the fisherfolks, specifically in marine capture fisheries. Presently, marine fisheries resources in the Southeast Asian region are heavily exploited. It is vital that marine resources must be harvested responsibly and sustainably, and future fisheries development is governed by the availability of sustainable fish stock. Indisputably, fishing activities can sometimes adversely impact marine environments through excessive removals of ecologically and economically valuable species, and by direct physical contact with critical habitats, e.g. bottom trawls. In addition, most of the capture methods used for fishing are heavily dependent on the utilization of fossil fuels or petroleum. For many important fisheries, the high consumption of fuel constitutes a major constraint to their economic viability but also represents a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. In general, active fishing gear like trawls and dredges can greatly impact the environment, and more fuel is required than other passive fishing gear such as traps and hooks or other stationary fishing gear.
In line with the Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2030 and corresponding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources), SEAFDEC maintains its continuation in promoting the sustainable utilization and protection of marine and coastal fisheries resources and the ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts. The utilization of marine resources and environmentally friendly fishing gear and practices should be further developed and applied to maintain biodiversity and secure fish for the people as well as to improve ocean health and enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of the SEAFDEC Member Countries. Furthermore, taking into consideration, the efforts to prevent and significantly reduce marine debris will be exerted.
The program of activities under this project will be implemented based on the current situation on the environmental impact of fishing gear and practices in the Southeast Asian region and national activities to mitigate those impacts on the marine ecosystem. The program of activities also includes research studies and the application and modification of marine engineering technologies to enhance the capability of fuel consumption efficiency and safety in fishing operations, reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, and enhancing the safety at sea in fishing operations. Regional technical consultations and meetings along with the field practices will be periodically conducted to update the situation, share experiences, and monitor the project implementation with the Member Countries. Network establishment towards national initiatives to improve/apply fishing technologies to support fisheries' management will also be made. The project will be implemented by SEAFDEC/TD in collaboration with responsible national agencies of the Member Countries, relevant organizations, institutions, and other international partnerships (e.g. FAO, UN Environment, GEF, etc.) at both regional and national levels. Human resource development through staff exchange, expert dispatch, and participation in the relevant meetings/workshops will be conducted. | en |
