The activity was implemented under the Japan Trust Fund VII-supported project entitled “Improving Fishers’ Livelihoods and Fisheries Co-management in Inland and Coastal Small-scale Fisheries.” It was designed to strengthen both the knowledge and practical capacity of community members and local fisheries officers in applying three complementary fisheries management approaches: Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM), Co-management, and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM). These approaches recognize that sustainable fisheries cannot be achieved through biological conservation alone, but also require active community participation, collaborative governance, and consideration of ecological, social, and economic factors. By combining scientific knowledge with local experience, the program aims to empower fishing communities to play a more active role in managing fisheries resources while supporting resilient livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of inland and coastal small-scale fisheries.
The field assessment was conducted at four sites in Maran Regency, Pahang State, namely Serengkam, Kuala Wau, Lubuk Paku, and Kuala Jempol. A total of 66 community members participated in the assessment, providing valuable information on local fisheries practices, community participation, institutional arrangements, resource conditions, compliance, conflict issues, and support needed to strengthen fisheries management at the community level.
Through the activity, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and its partners assessed the current status of community involvement in fisheries management and explored opportunities to strengthen CBFM and co-management practices. The assessment also introduced EAFM as an integrated framework that balances ecological, social, and economic objectives in fisheries management. This approach is expected to help communities and local authorities better understand the importance of responsible fishing practices, shared decision-making, and sustainable use of fisheries resources.
One of the key components of the activity was capacity building through field discussions and community engagement with local fishing communities. Rather than focusing solely on technical knowledge, the sessions encouraged participants to exchange experiences, identify local challenges, and explore practical solutions for managing fisheries resources collectively. The discussions highlighted that sustainable fisheries depend not only on healthy fish stocks but also on strong community participation, trust, and shared responsibility among resource users. The activity also emphasized the importance of strengthening local management institutions, such as fishers’ groups and community fisheries management committees, as platforms for collective decision-making, conflict resolution, and coordination of conservation and fisheries management measures. By reinforcing these local governance structures, communities are better equipped to take an active role in protecting fisheries resources, improving compliance with agreed management measures, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of inland fisheries.
The field survey was led by the Chief of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Dr. Maulana Firdaus, with active support from DoF Malaysia and DoF Pahang. The collaboration reflects the continued commitment of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD and Malaysia to promote practical, community-oriented approaches for sustainable fisheries management, particularly in small-scale fisheries.
The results of the assessment will be further analyzed and discussed jointly with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) Pahang to identify priority needs and opportunities for strengthening community-based fisheries management. The findings will provide valuable evidence on local conditions, community capacity, and existing management practices, serving as a foundation for designing more targeted and responsive capacity-building programs. Based on these results, the next workshop will be tailored to address the specific needs of fishing communities, strengthen stakeholder participation, and promote more effective co-management arrangements. By ensuring that future interventions are grounded in field-based evidence and local realities, the program aims to foster stronger community ownership and support the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.
The activity was officially closed at Kuala Jempol by Mr Roslan bin Abu Hasan, Head of the Department of Fisheries Pahang. In his closing remarks, he expressed his appreciation for the collaboration among SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, DoF Malaysia, and DoF Pahang, and hoped that this cooperation would continue in the future to further support community-based fisheries management and sustainable fisheries development in Pahang.