Sustainable fish production and consumption in Southeast Asia is critical to the livelihoods and food supply of people in the region. Overfishing threatens the biodiversity and sustainability of global fish stocks. This threat is increased by the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Having well-managed, transparent, and accountable fisheries will bring social and economic benefits to Southeast Asian communities.
The Australian Government program runs from 2022 to 2026.
Working with government fisheries agencies in Southeast Asia, the program aims to improve:
- monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) capabilities
- regional cooperation in combating IUU fishing
- gender inclusivity in fisheries management.
The program supports:
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries
- Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices including Combating IUU Fishing (RPOA-IUU) countries
Accredited MCS training course
The course will provide you with strong theoretical and practical skills in IUU fishing related MCS.
We expect to deliver training in-person by a registered training organisation based in Southeast Asia.
Find out more about the course and how to apply.
Fisheries officer exchange program
Officer exchanges between fishery agencies in different countries will help foster greater sub-regional collaboration to combat IUU fishing. The program can fund up to 20 officer exchanges.
During their stay, officers will find out first-hand about the host country’s approach to combating IUU fishing.
Find out more about the exchange program and how to apply.
Targeted capacity building support
The program includes a team of Australian technical experts. They are available to provide country-specific support to partner states in the region to combat IUU Fishing.
At the request of participating countries, we will tailor and deliver activities to:
- address MCS knowledge gaps
- provide critical inputs to help agencies with their fisheries responsibilities.
Find out how to access capacity building support.
Innovation fund
The Southeast Asia Regional Innovation Fund for Fishing (SEA-RIFF) complements other parts of the program. New ideas that arise during the program can be funded if they align with the overall program goal and outcomes.
Find out more about funding and how to apply.