The IMCS Network welcomes the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) as the first new member for 2023. SEAFDEC joins the Network’s growing membership that includes almost 80 countries and other multilateral organisations.
SEAFDEC is an inter-governmental body established in 1967 that seeks “To promote and facilitate concerted actions among the Member countries to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia”. SEAFDEC has eleven Member Countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
SEAFDEC plays a key role in enhancing collaboration among its Member Countries and in promoting partnerships with regional, international organizations and donor agencies. This focus aligns well with the Network’s goal to promote and facilitate communication, cooperation, coordination, and capacity development across the fisheries MCS, compliance, and enforcement community.
SEAFDEC’s successful MCS initiatives in the Southeast Asian region include the Joint ASEAN-SEAFDEC Declaration on Regional Cooperation for Combating IUU Fishing, the ASEAN Guidelines for Preventing the Entry of Fish and Fishery Products from IUU Fishing Activities into the Supply Chain, the Regional Fishing Vessels Record for Vessels 24 Meters in Length and Over, and the electronic ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme for Marine Capture Fisheries. These initiatives demonstrate SEAFDEC’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries practices in the region.
“The IMCS Network is thrilled to welcome SEAFDEC as the newest member and we look forward to learning more about their experiences in the Southeast Asian region. We hope the relationship will strengthen our engagement in the region including with countries that are part of both organisations. The IMCS Network is in an exciting stage of growth and are looking at ways to identify and support our members needs in the best possible way. A strong and productive relationship with SEAFDEC will support these efforts”.
Gary Orr, Chair of the IMCS Network
In addition to SEAFDEC’s contributions to the Network’s objectives, its membership will provide valuable insights and expertise in addressing the unique challenges facing the fisheries sector in Southeast Asia. The region faces numerous challenges, including overfishing, IUU fishing, climate change, and environmental degradation, which threaten the sustainability of its fisheries resources. The expertise and experience of SEAFDEC in addressing these challenges in the region will provide valuable insight for the Network and its members. The Network’s platform for sharing best practices, tools, and knowledge will also benefit SEAFDEC in enhancing its MCS and compliance efforts.
“SEAFDEC is equally thrilled to become a member of the IMCS Network and is excited about the opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that this partnership will bring. As an inter-governmental organization committed to promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices in Southeast Asia, SEAFDEC recognizes the importance of working with global partners to address the challenges facing the fisheries sector. SEAFDEC looks forward to contributing its experience and expertise to the Network’s efforts to improve MCS and compliance in the region and beyond. Together, SEAFDEC and IMCS Network can achieve our shared goal of ensuring the sustainability of the world’s fisheries for future generation”.
Malinee Smithrithee, Secretary-General of SEAFDEC
Countries, RFMOs, RFBs and REIOs are welcome to join the Network and may submit an application to the Chair to become a member. Please email mcs.network@imcsnet.org if you would like any information about the Network or becoming a member.
If you would like to learn more about SEAFDEC you can find out more to their website.