Southeast Asian fisheries play a crucial role in maintaining food security and supporting the region’s economy. However, the sector’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach.

Key strategies include reducing fossil fuel dependence by adopting renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Optimizing post-harvest practices can enhance product quality, minimize waste, and increase the value of the catch. Moreover, innovations in bottom trawl fishing operations can significantly improve efficiency and sustainability.

SEAFDEC is at the forefront of promoting sustainable utilization of marine and coastal fisheries resources. SEAFDEC aims to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems by encouraging environmentally friendly fishing gear and practices. Technological advancements can lead to more responsible fishing practices, reducing damage to aquatic environments, emissions, and fuel costs. This ultimately contributes to more economical and sustainable fisheries resource management, improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk in Southeast Asia.

These advancements align with international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Responsible Fisheries Code of Conduct. They also support regional policies like the ASEAN Resolution and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region towards 2030 (RES&POA-2030). Specifically, the RES&POA-2030 calls for promoting low-carbon development and enhancing knowledge and data collection in the fisheries sector.

Modernize Southeast Asian fisheries for long-term sustainability by optimizing fuel usage, adapting alternative/renewable energy, raising awareness of hygienic fish handling tools and techniques, and improving the efficiency and sustainability of trawl net fishing operations.

• Officials of SEAFDEC member countries enhance their technical knowledge of best practices and innovative technologies for optimizing fuel usage/alternative/renewable energy sources and fishing gear.
• Officials of SEAFDEC member countries increase awareness of hygienic fish handling tools and techniques, ensuring quality of catches, promoting food safety, and reducing post-harvest losses in the Southeast Asian Region.

• Providing equal opportunities to male and female stakeholders in accessing and receiving benefits from fishery resources, information, financial sources, and capacity building
• Promoting equitable participation of male and female stakeholders in the implementation of programs and projects where applicable
• Collecting and compiling sex-disaggregated data throughout the implementation of programs and projects

Officials of SEAFDEC member countries enhance their technical knowledge of best practices and innovative technologies for optimizing fuel usage/alternative/renewable energy sources and fishing gear.

SEAFDEC compiles and suggests knowledge to reduce the costs of fishing operations and negative impact by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions for small-scale fisheries.

Activity 1.1.1: Collect basic information on best practices and innovative technologies for optimizing fuel usage and adapting alternative/ renewable energy sources for small-scale fisheries to identify potential implementations through a meeting. Participate in regional/international conferences/workshops to collect knowledge.

Activity 1.1.2: Survey and data collection of the use of fossil fuels and the possibility of the use of renewable energy for small-scale fisheries vessels (less than 14 m) or other equipment in small-scale fisheries communities in SEAFDEC Member Countries

Activity 1.1.3: A research study on the ways to reduce fossil fuels, renewable energy, and hauling devices for small-scale fisheries in pilot sites

Activity 1.1.4: Dissemination results from the knowledge of development through compilation of initiatives, Fish for the People, SEAFDEC/TD website, and end project meetings.

Compilation of research study on fuel consumption reduction and greenhouse gas emissions in bottom trawl fishing through innovative techniques

Activity 1.2.1:Collect basic information for survey planning (methodology, data collection site, timeline) and obtain information on using the Vee type otter board and trawl net regarding fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, CPUE, and income from the catch through a meeting. Participate in regional/international conferences/workshops to collect knowledge.

Activity 1.2.2: Research/study and experimental to the reduction of the fuel consumption and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in bottom trawl operations by further studies on Vee type otter board that offers a greater trawl distance without requiring an increase in engine output in the pilot site.

Activity 1.2.3: Demonstration of the result of the Research/study and experimental to fishing vessel owners/Trawler experts/Master fishermen and get their evaluation.

Activity 1.2.4: Dissemination results of research/study on the reduction of fuel consumption and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in bottom trawl operations by comparing with ordinary type and Vee type otter board through compilation of results and project end meeting.

SEAFDEC compiles and suggests appropriate post-harvest fish handling practices to reduce fish losses and waste for small-scale fisheries.

Activity 2.1.1: Collect basic information on appropriate post-harvest fish handling practices to reduce fish losses and waste for small-scale fisheries to identify potential implementations through a meeting. Participate in regional/international conferences/workshops to collect knowledge

Activity 2.1.2: Conduct a survey and data collection on Fish Losses and Waste and evaluate various approaches for improving post-harvest fish handling for small-scale fisheries across SEAFDEC member countries.

Activity 2.1.3: Undertake a research study to enhance the efficiency of storage within the supply chain, focusing on improvements for onboard fishing vessels and in logistic sectors serving small-scale fisheries.

Activity 2.1.4: Dissemination of the results and knowledge from these developments through the “Fish for the People” publication and the SEAFDEC website including technical and/or End Project meetings.