A Southeast Asian exchange program designed to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing held its first event in Bangkok last month.
A group of 15 fisheries officers from five countries spent a week exchanging ideas with officers from the world’s largest tuna exporter, Thailand, during the Australian-funded event.
Thai officers tutored participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor Leste and Vietnam in monitoring, control, and surveillance techniques.
Officers also demonstrated Thailand’s port state measures that prevent vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing catches.
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group Matt Lowe said IUU is an issue that is best addressed in the region by neighbours sharing experience and expertise.
“IUU fishing is a cross-border issue. Fish don’t respect lines on a map, Mr Lowe said.
“Effectively addressing the issue requires cooperation. This is especially the case in Southeast Asia where the very productive waters have long been a magnet for IUU fishers.”
“While the activity is notoriously difficult to quantify, our best estimates suggest 1 in 5 fish caught globally are linked to illegal and unreported fishing.”
The program, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, helps participants strengthen fisheries management in their home countries.
The Fisheries Officer Exchange Program is a key component of Australia’s Combating IUU Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries in Southeast Asia program, a 6-year initiative running from 2022 to 2027.
The first event was hosted by Thailand’s Department of Fisheries and ran from 23 to 27 June.
Visit Combating IUU Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries in Southeast Asia Program.
