CTI focuses on catch documentation system to improve fisheries management in Coral Triangle Region

Date:

25 June 2019

Uploaded By:

Admin

Dili, Timor Leste, 25 June 2019 – lllegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a threat to the fish stocks, marine ecosystems and overall fisheries sustainability in the Coral Triangle (CT) Region. Insufficient fisheries management and a lack of transparency in the fisheries supply chain bring about such threat.

Cognizant of these critical issues, the Regional Secretariat of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) partnered with USAID Oceans, US Department of Interior, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) conducted a workshop on electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) among marine and fisheries specialists for CT6 member countries. Particularly, the activity focused on increasing understanding of eCDT and how it can support ecosystem approach to management of fisheries (EAFM) to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

CDT System is a basic concept to combat IUU fishing by providing a good documentation of tracking fish from point of catch to final destination (market) including supply-chain. It serves as a market-based monitoring, control and surveillance tool in combating IUU fishing.

Dr. Hendra Yusran Siry, CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat said that it is important for CT6 countries to reflect and assess the existing eCDT systems and capacity gaps as well as evaluate its suitability for implementation in CT6 member countries. Further, he noted the importance of assessing the specific needs and practices of countries and adapt it into the chosen CDT system as part of the overall CT6 fisheries management practices.

Dr. Siry also added that the activity is a good venue to learn and share insights about existing eCDT systems that would have great impact to marine and coastal preservation as well as contribute to poverty reduction and food security in the CT Region.

The activity was hosted by the Timor Leste National Coordinating Committee CTI CFF and supported by the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) through US Department of Interior (DOI).

---End---

About CTI-CFF

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI -CFF) is a multilateral partnership of six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste (CT6). The CT6 countries work together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources by addressing crucial issues such as food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity. The CTI-CFF was established formally during the Leaders’ Summit in 2009 with approval of the leaders from the CT6 countries. They adopted the CTI Regional Plan of Action (CTI RPOA) which is a strategic action plan with five goals: (1) designation of effectively managed seascapes; (2) application of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management; (3) establishment of a fully functional marine protected area system; (4) strengthening climate change adaptation and resilience; and (5) improving the status of threatened marine species.

About Regional Secretariat

The Regional Secretariat (RS) of the CTI-CFF is mandated to promote regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and learning facilities within the six-member countries of the Coral Triangle. The RS coordinates and monitors the progress of the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) goals. The RS coordinates and supports official meetings and events linked to the CTI-CFF process, including cross-cutting services in support of monitoring and evaluation, financial coordination, information management and outreach. It also coordinates the implementation of CTI-CFF RPOA and provides support to, and coordination with, NCCs, including advising the CTI-CSO on emerging opportunities and priorities to reaching the goals and targets of the RPOA. The RS also acts as the channel of communication and information sharing and foster networking among the Parties, CTI Partners and other organizations and donors in the efforts to promote the objectives of the CTI-CFF. The Regional Secretariat is based in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.