SEAFDEC/IFRDMD Strengthens Collaboration with Muara Enim Fisheries Office

On 3 September 2025, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (SEAFDEC/IFRDMD) held a meeting with the Fisheries Agency of Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province, along with Fisheries Extension Officers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

The IFRDMD delegation, led by its Chief, Mr. Andi Soesmono, was warmly received by the Acting Head of the Fisheries Agency, Mr. Hermin Eko Purwanto. The meeting aimed to present ongoing activities in Muara Enim Regency, including the SPEECTRA initiative and a freshwater microplastic survey in the Lematang River. These initiatives are part of the projects Enhanced Research Capacities for Sustainable Utilization and Management of Eel and Other Inland Fisheries Resources (funded by JTF 7) and Regional Collaborative Research and Capacity Building for Monitoring and Reduction of Marine Debris from Fisheries in Southeast Asia (funded by JAIF).

In addition, IFRDMD shared the results of a socioeconomic survey of capture fishers, conducted under the project Improving Fishers’ Livelihood and Fisheries Co-Management in Inland and Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries (funded by JTF 7). The meeting also provided an opportunity to gather inputs on the types of capacity-building programs most needed by fisheries officers, which could later be delivered to local fishers to strengthen their knowledge and skills.

The discussion proceeded smoothly, with valuable feedback shared by both the Acting Head and staff members of the Fisheries Agency. Their insights will help guide the implementation of IFRDMD’s ongoing and future activities in Muara Enim Regency.