During the discussion, the Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Mr. Andi Soesmono, delivered a presentation entitled “Challenges of Inland Fisheries Research at the Regional Level: Lessons Learned from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD.” The presentation highlighted the strategic importance of inland waters, including rivers, lakes, swamps, and reservoirs, as key contributors to food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem services across Southeast Asia.
SEAFDEC/IFRDMD emphasized that, despite the region’s rich inland water resources, inland fisheries continue to face increasing pressures such as habitat degradation, pollution, including microplastics, overfishing, and the limited availability of reliable and harmonized stock assessment data. These challenges underline the urgent need to strengthen and integrate research efforts to support evidence-based policymaking and sustainable inland fisheries management at both national and regional levels.
Drawing on its experience, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD shared lessons learned from various regional initiatives, including the development of data collection methodologies, stock assessment approaches, management of anguillid eel resources, studies on microplastic contamination, and capacity-building programs for Member Countries. These efforts aim to provide a solid scientific basis for promoting the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in inland waters.
The limited discussion also served as a platform for knowledge exchange among SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, academics from IPB University, and other key stakeholders, including representatives from FAO Indonesia and BRIN. Key topics discussed included the identification of research gaps in inland fisheries, mapping of existing research strengths, and opportunities to enhance collaboration and research funding at the regional level.
For SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, participation in this discussion represents an important step toward strengthening regional research networks and fostering closer collaboration among research institutions, policymakers, and development partners. The outcomes of the discussion are expected to contribute to the formulation of strategic inland fisheries research agendas and support initiatives aimed at improving food security, environmental sustainability, and community livelihoods in Southeast Asia.
SEAFDEC/IFRDMD reaffirms its commitment to serving as a regional knowledge hub and facilitating collaborative actions among ASEAN Member Countries to ensure the sustainable utilization and management of inland fisheries resources for present and future generations.
Photo credit: IPB University