Resource Mobilization

Protecting Aquatic Resources and Stocks in the Coral Triangle Region of Southeast Asia

The Coral Triangle region of Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most biologically diverse, economically productive and potentially vulnerable marine zones. Growing threats from pollution and major ecosystem change are a particular concern in the region, as well as the untargeted capture of fish and non-fish species (commonly called bycatch and discards). The degradation of the marine environment and depletion of fishery resources threaten biological sustainability and diversity, as well as food security and livelihoods. The project aims to protect aquatic resources and stocks in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity in five countries in the region (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam), through the application of strategies and technologies for fisheries bycatch management.

What did the project do

The project achieved considerable success in strengthening national and regional institutional capacities to manage trawl fisheries. Stakeholders’ skills and confidence were enhanced through training workshops held in a number of areas, including data collection, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), alternative fishing gear, the development of fisheries management plans and socio-economic studies; and indirectly through participation in project activities. Regional and national policy and decision-makers were sensitized with regard to responsible trawl fisheries management through the provision of project information and workshops. The project contributed to demarcating zones and specifying appropriate closures as part of adopted or proposed management plans in Samar Sea (Philippines), Trat (Thailand) and Kien Giang (Viet Nam). The project also helped trawl fishing in the pilot sites move towards a more environmentally sustainable position. There are good prospects for sustaining the results of the project at environmental, social, financial and institutional levels; and significant potential for the replication and upscaling of activities and outcomes.

Impact

The Samar Sea Fisheries Management Plan, Philippines, which was developed through the application of EAFM principles and processes, to increase food security and reduce the poverty of fishers and their families by improving livelihood support, is already affecting the lives of many fishers in the region. Overall, the project contributed to implementing improved trawl and bycatch management practices that support fishery dependent incomes and sustainable livelihoods in the region. By engaging key regional, national and provincial institutions in the execution of activities, and building their capacity for trawl fisheries management and EAFM, the project established an effective institutional framework in most of the countries for achieving and sustaining its long-term impacts.

Activities

  • International guidelines on bycatch management and reduction of discards recognized in all five project countries, and contributions made to Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission regional guidelines.
  • Samar Sea Fisheries Management Plan (Philippines) agreed by stakeholders and adopted by relevant authorities. Bycatch management plans also prepared in Trat (Thailand) and Kien Giang (Viet Nam), and are in the process of adoption.
  • Legal and regulatory frameworks relevant for trawl fisheries bycatch management developed for all five countries.
  • Monitoring systems for socio-economics implemented in Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Thailand; and assessment of impact of modified trawl gear on incomes completed in Thailand.
  • Website set up and developed into a regional information-sharing mechanism for information on trawl fisheries bycatch management (http://rebyc-cti.org/).
  • EAFM materials prepared for Leaders, Executives and Decision-makers; and Essential EAFM materials translated in Thai and Vietnamese.
  • Country-level policy briefs produced, based on the project results and the lessons learned.
  • Number of training events conducted on bycatch reduction devices and other management measures, attended by private sector, Non-governmental Organizations and governments (variable among countries).
Project symbol: GCP/RAS/269/GFF
Project title: Strategies for trawl fisheries bycatch management (REBYC II CTI)
Contact: FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific / Susana Siar
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/I9206EN/i9206en.pdf