This SEAFDEC Annual Report 2021 has been prepared by the Secretariat of the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in collaboration with SEAFDEC Departments namely: Training Department (TD), Marine Fisheries Research Department (MFRD), Aquaculture Department (AQD), Marine Department of Development and Management of Fisheries Resources (MFRDMD), and Department of Development and Management of Inland Fisheries Resources (IFRDMD). Therefore, SEAFDEC, in 2021, continued to focus our activities on addressing the priority issues of member countries.
Aquaculture Department (AQD)
Since 2007, the Post-Harvest Technology Center of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, Singapore (PHTC/ . AVA) has served as the Collaborating Center of SEAFDEC to undertake the activities of MFRD under the SEAFDEC regional programmes.
Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD)
Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD)
SEAFDEC COUNCIL OF DIRECTORS IN 2021
Chairpersons of the SEAFDEC Council Mr. Shingo Ota (until 4 April 2021)
Ahmad Tarmidzi bin Ramly, AMK Director General, Department of Fisheries Malaysia Alternate Board Director: Mr. Deputy Director, Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation, Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
SEAFDEC SENIOR OFFICIALS IN 2021
Marine Fisheries Research Department (MFRD) Chief, MFRD Programmes
Aquaculture Department (AQD) Chief
Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD)
Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD)
OVERVIEW OF SEAFDEC PROGRAMS IN 2021
Projects under the ASEAN–SEAFDEC FCG/ASSP Mechanism
Department Funding Source Strategy I: Ensuring the sustainability of fisheries to contribute to food security, poverty alleviation and livelihood of people in the region. Research to improve sustainable utilization and management of sharks and rays in the southeast.
Supporting the sustainable growth of aquaculture to complement fisheries and contribute to food security, poverty alleviation and livelihood of people in the region
Strategy III: Ensuring the food safety and quality of fish and fishery products for the Southeast Asian region
Enhancing trade and compliance of the region’s fish and fishery products with market requirements
Addressing cross-cutting issues, such as labor, gender and climate change, where related to international fisheries
Departmental Programs
Other Programs
SEAFDEC PROGRAMS OF ACTIVITIES IN 2021
Strategy I: Securing the sustainability of fisheries to contribute to food security, poverty alleviation and livelihood of people in the region
- Assessment and management of inland fisheries
- Compilation of scientific data and information to support policy formulation and management of sustainable fisheries
- Development and promotion of regional measures and tools for combating IUU fishing
- Promotion of innovative management tools and concepts applicable for the region
- Development and promotion of responsible fishing technologies Responsible Fishing Technology and Practice
- Integration of habitat and fisheries management and provision of support for the conservation of important fishery resources
- Capacity building towards sustainable fisheries
The goal of the training was to increase the capacity of relevant human resources for the use of GIS and RS. The four components of the project include 1) Identification and management of fisheries and critical habitat connections at priority fishing refuges in the South China Sea.
2 Strategy II: Supporting the sustainable growth of aquaculture to complement fisheries and contribute to food security, poverty
Sustainable aquaculture through cost-effective culture systems and prompt and effective aquatic animal health management
Institutional Repository – publications and documents produced by TD were uploaded to the institutional repository of TD at http://repository.seafdec.or.th. The spiny lobster (Thenus orientalis) is one of the five species of lobster commonly traded in the Philippines. These isolates will be subjected to infection experiments in the latter part of the Project as significant abnormalities were observed in the histopathology of crab tissues.
Recently, hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by EHP has emerged as one of the most important diseases in the shrimp culture industry.
Improvement of broodstock and seed production technologies
On the other hand, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in the treatment fed commercial diet (1.9). So far, results have shown that the number and survival rate of the larvae was higher in the treatments fed with medium and high feed rations, but this decreased over time. The study on Kappaphycus alvarezii was conducted to shorten the laboratory period of the usual 90 days of micropropagation in the laboratory.
A production study is being conducted to increase the production of seaweed propagules by micropropagation in land nurseries and to determine the economics of micropropagule production in land nurseries.
Ensuring food safety through sustainable aquaculture methods
Silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) is an endemic freshwater fish to the Philippines and considered one of the most valuable edible native freshwater species. A total of 19 species of bacteria were observed in the hatchery and 26 species in the nursery. The study also found that catfish eggs in the hatchery did not hatch due to high water hardness.
The seaweed industry is plagued by various diseases and pests, resulting in a decline in seaweed production.
Development of responsible and sustainable aquaculture technologies Through its Departmental program on “Maintaining Environmental Integrity through
Together with other researchers involved in the project, a seaweed brochure entitled "Farm Management Measures and Biosecurity of Euheumatoids: Cultivars, Pests and Diseases, Risks and Risk Management" was produced. The brochure is available in English and three Filipino dialects (Tagalog, Bisaya/Cebuano and Tausug). In 2021, imported and locally available algae concentrates were tested in the hatchery as food for sandfish. Interestingly, even without food, the shrimps grew to marketable size and gained an average of 32.3 g in five months.
The consolidated results of the study will be published in 2022 in the form of workshop papers.
Generation of appropriate technologies for rural aquaculture to provide livelihood and alleviate poverty
In a 4D IMTA, immature sandfish were reintroduced into the primary fish house to feed on the remaining organic material after harvesting the milkfish. The income of many MOSRA members was supplemented by benefits from government agencies such as the Department of Social and Welfare Development and remittances from family members. Five years ago, MOSRA members noted that sea cucumber stocks have declined, with most members (60%) saying their catch volumes were declining due to an increase in the number of collectors, fueled by strong market demand for sandfish.
More than three quarters (79 %) of MOSRA members are collecting for sea cucumbers which became an essential part of their livelihood, especially during the typhoon season.
Compilation of scientific data and information to support policy on sustainable aquaculture
Collaborative projects with the Philippine Government
In 2022, a training course will be conducted for potential field test collaborators prior to the rollout of the cost-effective feeds to their farms. Some of these were stored in brackish water ponds at AQD Dumangas Brackishwater Station in June for research and verification purposes, while others were sold to buyers. Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, the on-site training course for fish farmers was conducted in Roxas City, Capiz in collaboration with DA-BFAR 6, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Capiz and the private sector, including cooperatives and companies.
Træningen var i co-operation with Mindanao Development Authority, Kommune Kabasalan, and Kaponongan sa Gagmayng Mangingisda sa Concepcion af Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Strategy III: Ensuring the food safety and quality of fish and fishery products for the Southeast Asian region
- Promotion of seafood quality assurance systems for fish processing establishments in the region
For foods such as sushi and sashimi, good manufacturing and handling practices (GMP & . GHP) should be established to guide their production. In addition to GMP & GHP, new preservation technologies such as High Pressure Processing (HPP) can also increase the safety of seafood products. Microorganisms that can cause food spoilage such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, mold and parasites are inactivated by the high pressure.
The development of these resources will enable the adoption of GMP and GHP for high-risk foods such as sushi and sashimi, and will serve to strengthen regional capacity in the safe handling of high-risk seafood and enable Member States to gain knowledge on new value-adding preservation technologies , seafood safety and quality.
Strategy IV. Enhancing trade and compliance of the region’s fish and fishery products with market requirements
Since sushi and sashimi are minimally processed and consumed raw, they present a higher microbiological risk compared to cooked foods. GMP & GHP will be able to mitigate such risks while maintaining the quality, freshness and nutritional content of the products. Since no heat is applied to the products during the pasteurization process, the nutrition, texture and taste of the food products are preserved.
Some examples of Ready-to-Cook (RTC) foods and ready-to-eat (RTE) produced using HPP are rinsed seafood and ready to cook seafood in sauce. To introduce such technologies for possible adoption by countries in the Southeast Asian region, the MFRD began its new project "Enhancing Food Safety and Competitiveness of Seafood Products", comprising two tracks: 1) development of regional guidelines for good manufacturing and handling practices (GMP); . & GHP) for ready-to-eat raw fish and fish products, and 2) development of HPP protocols for fish and shellfish.
Strategy V: Addressing cross-cutting issues, such as labor, gender and climate change, where related to international fisheries
- Monitoring and enhancing awareness on international fisheries-related issues
- Recognition of the importance of gender equality in the fisheries and aquaculture sector
Training workshop on stock assessment in support of the implementation of the international commitments for the sustainable use of fishery resources in Southeast Asia (December 9 and 13-17. At this workshop, the national focal points of the survey discussed and agreed on the questionnaire that would be used to collect relevant information from the respective countries. Implementation of fish and fish product import regulations in the Marine Mammal Protection Act", which will come into force from 1 January 2023.
Gender is recognized as one of the crucial issues to be addressed in many workplaces, including in the fishing sector.
Strategy VI: Empowering SEAFDEC to strengthen its roles in the region and to improve its services to Member Countries
- Extending Support and Capacity for Member Countries on Fishery Resource Surveys
- Supporting Member Countries in the Implementation of Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand
- Enhancing human resources within the SEAFDEC organization SEAFDEC Capacity Development through the USAID Sustainable Fish Asia Activity
The project is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and SEAFDEC together with the Ministries of Environment of the participating countries. In 2021, despite the challenges of COVID-19, the SCS SAP project managed to initiate measures and activities at the national and regional level. The national teams of the participating countries organized their internal coordination and consultations with the relevant agencies and institutions to discuss the project and the activities in the implementation phase.
In addition, the SCS SAP project, together with the IOC/UNESCO Global Project and MSP, co-organized a Virtual Dialogue on Marine Spatial Planning for the Large Marine Ecosystems of the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand on 15 December 2021, which was mostly attended by members and participants of the SCS Regional Working Group Meeting SAP and partners.
SEAFDEC PROGRAMS FOR 2022
Projects under the FCG/ASSP Mechanism Ongoing Projects
Research to improve sustainable utilization and management of sharks and rays in the Southeast Asian region. The project aims to support the sustainable management and utilization of anguillid eel fishery resources in the Southeast Asian region through the strategic program on sustainable eel resource management. The survey will contribute to the sustainable management of eel fisheries and standardize the data collection system in the member states.
The Project consists of four components, namely: 1) Identification and management of fisheries and critical habitat connections at priority fisheries refuges in the South China Sea;.
Empowering SEAFDEC to strengthen its roles in the region and to improve its services to Member Countries
The project has the overall objectives of improving regional collaborative research and capacity building in the fisheries sector, including the application of scientific knowledge in regional policies as well as monitoring the four priority areas of the "ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine. Healthy and Healthy Aquaculture (ongoing). The program has two main components: 1) Fish health; and 2) Nutrition and feed.Improving the technical skills to support community-based sea cucumber production in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Fisheries Management of the Gulf of Thailand through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (GoTFish Project).
COOPERATION WITH DONORS
AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN 2021
Collaboration with International/Regional Organizations, Non-member Governments and Donors
Webinar on Information Technology for Small-Scale Fisheries (hosted by FAO/ . APFIC on 6 April 2021, online meeting). 36th Session of the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFIC) (hosted by FAO/APFIC 5–7 May 2021, online meeting). 12th Session of the FIRMS Steering Committee (hosted by FAO/FIRMS on 18–21 October 2021, online meeting).
Intersessional meetings of the Coordinating Working Groups on Fisheries Statistics (CWP) (organized by FAO/CWP 2-5 November 2021, online meeting).
Cooperation with National Agencies of SEAFDEC Member Countries
As the agreement between FFS-HU and SEAFDEC expired in 2021, a new extension of the arrangement was signed in February 2021 to extend the arrangement for a further five years. Under the MOA, AQD will provide technical assistance to MinDA and/or identified stakeholders of the aquaculture sector through an extension program; undertake a techno-transfer program; and implement and implement the project in accordance with the approved project proposal. Under this MOA, the PAFCC will provide funds to AQD to conduct and prepare a feasibility study, a project proposal and related documents, and assistance during the proposal development and preparation phase for the project “Establishing and Aquaculture Feed Mill Plant and Operating the Said factory in the province of Capiz.” The MOA is effective from the signing date until January 2024.
The scope of cooperation includes operation, exchange of knowledge, experience and technical information as well as technical advice or cooperation in other relevant activities.
PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING SEAFDEC VISIBILITY
AND COMMUNICATION IN 2021
- Production of relevant, timely, and useful information material to meet the requirements of the target audience
- Raising SEAFDEC image at national, regional, and international levels
- Enhancing communication and information sharing both within SEAFDEC and with Member and non-Member Countries, other international/
- Strengthening SEAFDEC capability in information-related activities
- Regular monitoring and evaluation of information activities
Management of libraries of SEAFDEC Secretariat and Departments: SEAFDEC Secretariat and Department libraries continued to provide library services. Participation of SEAFDEC officials in events organized by other organizations: 399 SEAFDEC officials participated in 151 events: 234 officials at regional/international levels (83 in virtual events), and 165 officials at national/local levels (11 in physical events and 57 in virtual events) events). The capabilities of SEAFDEC staff in information related offices have been enhanced (through HRD taking into account the scope and requirements of staff involved, and during annual ISP meetings).
Enhanced financial sustainability of SEAFDEC's institutional publications and information activities (through enhanced cost-reimbursement sales of technical publications and memorabilia).
PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SEAFDEC GENDER STRATEGY IN 2021
- Mainstreaming gender at all levels of the organization
- Integrating gender in SEAFDEC programs and projects
- Incorporating gender perspectives in all events organized by SEAFDEC
- Boosting the visibility of SEAFDEC as a gender-responsive and gender- sensitive organization
- Strengthening further the cooperation and collaboration with Member Countries and other organizations on gender aspects
Published and distributed articles/papers/reports: 3 titles, with 1,600 hard copies produced, 1,400 hard copies distributed, and 476 electronic copies downloaded. Collaboration with four (4) organizations by participating in events and providing input during the session.
SEAFDEC REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES IN 2021
