dc.description.abstract | In June 2002, the Government of Japan approved the construction of a Fishery Research and Training Vessel capable of conducting fishery surveys and training operations in coastal ASEAN waters, along with procurement of the requisite fishing gear, fishing machinery, and survey equipment. This was in response to resolutions passed at the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Millennium Conference which highlighted the need for investigation of the potential of fishes resources,and establishment and implementation of comprehensive policies for innovative fisheries management in the region. The construction of the new vessel, M.V. SEAFDEC 2, was completed in the fall of 2003 and it was officially launched at Niigata, Japan on 6 December 2003. | en |