A consortium of agencies and projects working in fisheries in South East and South Asia had developed a very systematic training course on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (“Essential EAFM”) since 2012 and provided training to many middle level mangers apart from capacitating a set of trainers in the region. But the need of sensitizing the senior fisheries officers, involved in planning and policy making in the countries, was realized to take forward EAFM in the countries. The information materials that could be used to inform LEAD (Leaders, Executives and Decision Makers) about EAFM was developed and fine tuned. SEAFDEC as part of the REBYC II CTI project took up EAFM LEAD program in Philippines in October 2016. This was organized in Calbayog and Catbalogan. The participants were mayors of coastal municipalities and senior and middle level officers from the Department of Fisheries and provincial Government. The EAFM LEAD workshop was conducted following an eight sessions structured program resulting in the participants going back home with conceptual clarity and with an understanding of the importance of introducing EAFM in fisheries management in Philippines.

(2016). EAFM High-level Consultation for Leaders, Executives and Decision Makers. Samut Prakarn: Training Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. (2016). EAFM High-level Consultation for Leaders, Executives and Decision Makers. Training Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.