Enhancing Capacity for Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) of Domestic and International Fishing Vessels to Combat IUU Fishing

According to an FAO report, global marine fishery production has diminished, with Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing identified as a pivotal contributing factor. IUU fishing constitutes a significant international issue, adversely impacting fisheries within national jurisdictions and on the high seas. This illicit practice undermines sustainable fisheries management by circumventing legal frameworks, leading to the depletion of fish stocks and impeding sustainability efforts. Southeast Asian countries are encountering increasing pressure on their fisheries resources due to IUU fishing, often linked to inadequate management of monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS). These nations must prioritize preventive measures such as regulating fishing vessels, addressing overcapacity, and implementing effective rights-based fisheries systems. IUU fishing undermines national and regional conservation efforts, placing responsible fishers at a considerable disadvantage and necessitating urgent, transparent action.

In response, SEAFDEC, along with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will be executing the Sustainable Management of Fisheries, Marine Living Resources, and Their Habitats in the Bay of Bengal Region for the Benefit of the Coastal States and Communities (BOBLME II) project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in seven countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The principal objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, marine living resources, and their habitats in the Bay of Bengal region, thereby reducing environmental stress and enhancing environmental status for the benefit of coastal states and communities. This will be accomplished through five interlinked components: 1) Sustainable Management of Fisheries, 2) Restoration and Conservation of Critical Marine Habitats and Conservation of Biodiversity, 3) Management of Coastal and Marine Pollution to Improve Ecosystem Health, 4) Improved Livelihoods and Enhanced Resilience of BOBLME, and 5) Regional Mechanism for Planning, Coordination, and Monitoring of BOBLME. SEAFDEC, as Executing Agency (EA), will lead Southeast Asia sub-regional coordination, provide technical advice, and enhance capacity building on related fishery issues under components 1, 3, and 5, which will be implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand from 2024 to 2028.

Accordingly, the project activities emphasize and support the capacity building for Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand in MCS activities. This includes organizing activities to share information and develop innovative tools. Despite these efforts, further development in knowledge and experience is necessary to effectively combat IUU fishing. To build capacity through increasing knowledge, skill, and experience for participating countries, SEAFDEC/TD will organize a regional training on relevant MCS subjects for the participating countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The program aims to enhance participants' knowledge and skills, foster information sharing, and strengthen regional cooperation to combat IUU fishing for sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.