IFRDMD Visits SEAFDEC Secretariat and Department of Fisheries Thailand Offices

On 22 July 2025, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD paid a courtesy visit to the SEAFDEC Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand. The IFRDMD delegation, led by Deputy Chief Mr. Toru Shimoda, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Suttinee Limthammahisorn, SEAFDEC Secretary-General; Mr. Koichi Tahara, Deputy Secretary-General; Dr. Worawit Wanchana, Policy and Program Coordinator; and Mr. Fumiya Takahashi, Assistant Trust Fund Manager. The meeting focused on the strategic alignment of the Japan Trust Fund Phase VII (JTF VII) program, regional research priorities, and mechanisms for strengthening coordination and collaboration in inland fisheries research and capacity building across SEAFDEC Member Countries.

The delegation then proceeded to visit the Central Office of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) Thailand in Bangkok. Discussions centered on finalizing technical support and inter-agency coordination for the upcoming hydroacoustic field survey in Rayong Province.

Subsequently, the delegation traveled to Rayong Province, where they visited the DoF Rayong Provincial Office and toured the technical facilities and aquaculture farms managed by the local fisheries authorities.

These visits form part of the implementation of the research program entitled “Enhanced Research Capacities for Sustainable Utilization and Management of Eel and Other Inland Fisheries Resources,” supported under the Japan Trust Fund Phase VII (2025–2029).