USAID and SEAFDEC partner to promote sustainable fishing in Indo-Pacific
SEAFDEC and USAID launched a five-year partnership to enhance the management of fisheries and aquaculture resources. This collaboration aims to safeguard inland and marine biodiversity and fisheries resources in the Indo-Pacific region.
Co-created by Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center ( SEAFDEC ) and the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ), the USAID Southeast Asia Fisheries Partnership represents a significant step forward in USAID's commitment to supporting regional organizations in addressing critical environmental challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership empowers a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials at local and national levels, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies through support to enhance fisheries and aquaculture management practices, contributing to the efforts in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
USAID Southeast Asia Fisheries Partnership aims to improve and sustainably manage fisheries and aquaculture practices and productions, with three key objectives:
1) Fishery policies, programs, and plans supported by SEAFDEC are adopted and implemented by national fisheries agencies.
2) Commercial and small-scale fishers have appropriate financial and human resources, capacity, and good governance to adopt sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.
3) National fisheries agencies and fisheries institutions enhance their operational and technical capacity.
"This partnership demonstrates our dedication to channelling funds directly to leading regional organizations," said Linda McElroy, Acting Mission Director, of USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia. "By working with SEAFDEC, we are leveraging regional expertise to develop tailored solutions for sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation, benefiting both local communities and the global environment."
“The Indo-Pacific region is rich in marine biodiversity, providing better livelihoods and food security to millions,” said Dr Suttinee Limthammahisorn, Secretary-General, SEAFDEC. “With USAID’s support, we are committed to promoting responsible practices in sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture to enhance fisheries resources and improve socioeconomic stability for Southeast Asian communities."
On July 23-24, 2024, SEAFDEC and USAID held an Inception Workshop to introduce USAID Southeast Asia Fisheries Partnership to the SEAFDEC member countries and collaborating partners. The workshop addressed cross-cutting issues such as promoting gender equality and social inclusion, engaging the private sector, and advancing science and technology. It also served as a platform for calibrating the coordination and areas of collaboration to synergize their work.
