Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present the proceedings of the seminar compiled and published by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in accordance with the request of the SEAFDEC Secretariat. Countries bordering the South China Sea have for some time been aware of the need for more detailed knowledge of the fishing resources of the South China Sea. At the fourteenth session of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council (IPFC) in 1970, it was recommended that the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) or some other regional body organize a technical seminar on matters relating to the South China Sea and make available to the IPFC the results of such efforts.
With the approval of the Council of SEAFDEC at its Fifth Meeting, 1972, the Technical Seminar on South China Sea Fisheries Resources was convened by the Center in Bangkok from 21 to 25 May 1973. In a concerted effort, the technical aspects of the Seminar organized by the Marine Fisheries Research Division of the Center while the organization of the Seminar was carried out by the Secretariat. The publication of the seminar proceedings, which was delayed for two years due to the limitation of funds, is now made possible by a generous contribution from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Pisit Ngam-ngod of the Marine Fisheries Laboratory, Department of Fisheries, Bangkok, for his preparation of the text figures. Gulland (FAO), on behalf of the observers, thanked the Government of Thailand and Chulalongkorn University for providing facilities, the Southeast Asian Sponge Fisheries Development Center.
Country reports
Nor, on the other hand, is it likely to increase further unless there is a change in the abundance of the species stock. It is not expected that there will be any significant increase in landings of the species that make up the small group. About 700,000 people are employed in the fishing industry, accounting for about 4.05 of the country's total workforce.
These landed 85,861 metric tons of fish or 22% of the combined production of all commercial fishing vessels. Their production amounted to 19,992 metric tons or 5.2 percent of the total commercial fish production. The slipperfish were mostly taken from the Visayan Sea which made up 4.5% of the total commercial fish landed in the country.
Their production in 1971 was 16,655 metric tons which is equivalent to 4.36 percent of the total production. Due to its high demand in the international markets, marine shrimp is considered as one of the agricultural products.
Preliminary report on the distribution of Chaetognaths in the southern part of the South China Sea. Both species of the genus Krohnitta were found in the southern part of the South China Sea. Chaetognatha of the Naga Expedition in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Record of discussion
Based on the facilitator's comments and subsequent discussion in these key areas, the following issues and gaps were identified. The lack of uniform and reliable fisheries statistics has hampered the evaluation of the resources' potential. Although the assessments made on potential demersal fish stocks indicate their overall size, there is a need for improvement as more information and data becomes available. The research activities carried out varied depending on the priorities of different countries, although the problems were similar.
Action on management issues must be a first step. in the early stages of developing new fisheries. Developing offshore fisheries, both demersal and pelagic, due to the limited potential for further fishery expansion. The moderator asked the participants to make constructive suggestions. tions regarding the work program of the Aquaculture Department of SEAFDEC, which will be established shortly.
Existing knowledge can be obtained from the reports of the IPFC Symposium on Coastal Aquaculture (Bangkok, 1970), FAO World Scientific Con. It was emphasized that the productivity of fish in a pond is related to the geological nature of the soil and other natural and sociological conditions in the region. In some areas of the region, methods of raising fish in cages and fish boxes are also used.
The survey on the location and abundance of eel elver in the region was emphasized. The program of the proposed Department of Aquaculture should cover the expressed needs of the member countries. In conjunction with the FAO World Aquaculture Technical Conference scheduled to be held in 1975 or 1976, it was recommended that a SEAFDEC Aquaculture Seminar be held to coincide with the inauguration of the new Department of Aquaculture in Panay Island, Philippines in 1974.
Bibliographic work should be undertaken by the Department of Aquaculture to facilitate the exchange of the latest information in this field of research. The Discussion Leader highlighted the economic and social aspects of fisheries development in the region as a guide for the discussion. While individual countries were aware of their priorities in fisheries development, some coordinated action seemed necessary for the optimal development of the fisheries industry in the region.
Recommendations
The seminar recognized that the implementation of most of these recommendations would have an impact on the work of both SEAFDEC and the FAO/UNDP South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordination Programme, and therefore urged that SEAFDEC and the Program so cooperate as closely as possible for the benefit of fisheries development and rational utilization of the living resources in the South China Sea. On behalf of the participants of the Technical Seminar on South China Sea Fisheries Resources and the officials of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Secretariat, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for the honor Your Excellency has shown us by the Opening to preside. Ceremony of this Seminar today. On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to report briefly on the establishment and the activities of the Centre.
It is one of the first concrete regional projects resulting from the recommendation of the ministerial conference. The main purpose of the center is to strengthen and promote the development of fisheries through mutual efforts between member states and other non-member states and interested organizations. The centre's intended contribution to regional fisheries development includes the development of a skilled and experienced workforce in the region for the primary sector of the fishing industry, particularly for deep-sea fishing, acquiring knowledge about the state of fishing resources and fishing grounds in the waters surrounding and bordering Southeast Asian countries.
Another major contribution from the Center is the development of suitable and economical types of fishing gear and methods for the effective harvesting of these resources. The Department of Research in Singapore has a one-year training course in marine fisheries research with special emphasis on the study of fish stocks in the South China Sea and the oceanography of fishing grounds. In view of this, the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council proposed the establishment of the South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordination Program under the sponsorship of UNDP and suggested at the fourteenth session that SEAFDEC organize a Technical Seminar on Fisheries Resources in region.
The objectives of the seminar are to review and consolidate the existing knowledge of fishery resources in the South China Sea and their economic and social aspects, and to recommend the steps necessary for the further required assessment and evaluation to form the basis for the planned development of the national fisheries. and management of used resources, i.e. a) reviewing existing information, (b) identifying gaps in knowledge, and (c) recommending actions. I am sure that the outcome of this seminar will be especially useful for planning the development of national fisheries in the countries of the region. As this seminar aims to reveal the extent and potential of the various fisheries resources in the region, its outcome will not only enable a better understanding of the resources and their economic and social aspects, but will also provide an essential basis for national fisheries planning. development.
Never mind that the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center is the first regional project to be established on the recommendation of the Ministerial Conference for the Economic Development of Southeast Asia, I would like to say that the Government of Thailand has extended assistance and will continue to provide support to this enterprise, who fully believe in the spirit of regional cooperation. Preliminary observation on distribution and catch of shovelnose lobster, Thenus orientalis Lund in the South China Sea. Results of the experimental trawl in the South China Sea by the R/V CHANGI in the years 1970 to 1972.
