Local workshop in Nam Oon Dam, Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Date: 25-26 November 2014

Venue: Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Objectives:

1. Fisheries officers understand the situation of Nam Oon Dam, on problem and needed from fisheries community.

2. Fisheries community understand the resources situation, and how to manage to be sustainable.

3. Fisheries community and fisheries officers aware the important of co-management, community-based resources management and right-based management.

4. Fisheries community of Nam Oon Dam has committee to be network on fisheries management.

Results

The workshop were divided into two sessions, lecture and group discussion. The lecture was presented by resource persons from Department of Fisheries and SEAFDEC. The lectures were about 1) "Inland Fisheries Management and Law and measurement setting for Fisheries" to enhance knowledge of the participants and 2) "Co-management in ASEN Countries, Participatory Activities of Fisheries Management" to transfer the experiences of fisheries co-management in Southeast Asian and activities for co-management. Moreover, SEAFDEC presented the results of the base line survey at Num Oon that were collected during 2-9 July 2014. The results of survey showed 1) the demographic information and fisheries character, 2) fisheries problems and resolution, 3) fishers perception on fisheries co-management and fish distribution.

In addition, there were three topics for the group discussion session:

1. Fishing gear and fishing activities, which composed of two sub-topics: 1) Types of allow  fishing gear and 2) Prohibited fishing gear.

2. Spatial/Fishing ground composed of four sub-topics: 1) Conservation and sanctuary area under law and regulation, 2) Close season, 3) Protected area, and 4) Fishing ground allow by gear/fishing activities.

3. New close season setting through community rule, which composed of three sub-topics: 1) Close season only some area, 2) Close season in some fishing habitat, and 3) Close season during dry season.  

After finish group discussion, each group presented the result to all participants. For the first group (fishing gear and fishing activities), the participants suggested that DOF's officers should cooperate with villagers to monitor and promote juvenile conservation area. Moreover, it should stop shooting and diving fisheries. For the second group (spatial/fishing ground), it should make clear on the boundary of conservation zone as well as it should increase more conservation zone and fish house. It should establish community committee and set the community rules. Furthermore, it should collect entry fee from outsider fishers. For the third group (new close season setting through community rule), duration of close season should be changed based on research study as well as increase conservation zone and set fishing zone during close season.

After present results of group discussion, the workshop was end by inspector of Department of Fisheries, Ms. Sirirak Suvanrangsri. She express her appreciated on this workshop that it was very useful for co-management and community based management in Nam Oon Dam. Besides, she hope that this program can be a good model to other inland fisheries management in Thailand .

Mobile On-site Training (MOT) on Practical Approach to Co-management in Marine and Inland Fisheries of Cambodia

Date:17 -21 November 2014

Venue: Koh Kong Province, Cambodia

Objectives:

1. To introduce the knowledge and experience on practical approach to rights-based fisheries management to fisheries officer from 8 inland fisheries provinces of Cambodia,

2. To strengthen practical in competence in planning and implementing the applicable inland fishery management plans.

3. To train community fishers by local Cambodian trainers with technical assistance from SEAFDEC on organization of the community based management with knowledge of rights-based fisheries management

4. Gathering of the fishery data and information and understanding the indicators of fishery status, (fish catch, fish price, fishing effort), and socio-economic information)

5. To introduce the communities fisheries legal framework such Royal Decree, sub decree and guideline to implementation for communities fisheries

6. To take a consultation with community fishers and local fishery officers on the improvement of sub decree on community fishery management

Results

The training was started by the fisheries officers of Cambodia who had been trained on the TOT course by SEAFDEC. After finished the lecture part, the participants were divided into 5 groups; 1) Stung Treng and Kratie Province, 2) Kampong Cham and Prey Veng Province, 3) Koh Kong Province, 4) Sihanouk Ville and Kampot Province, 5) Kep Province, for workshop session. Then each group discussed on 3 Sessions which are;

o  Session 1) How to sustain Community based Fisheries management and make a CFi plan of action in each province,

o  Session 2) Support system by local government, and

o  Session 3) Operation of Resource Management (especially Monitoring daily catch).

After finished the discussion, each group presented the result of discussion. For the result of Session 1, the participant indicated that the effective plan for sustainable fisheries management should be cooperated with local fisheries and relevant authorities. Moreover, the plan should involve the community committees and members. Furthermore, the participants proposed various activities for fisheries management plans such as re-plantation of mangrove forest, establishment of conservation areas and refugia areas, crab banks. As well as alternative livelihood activities through aquaculture, fish processing and other activities concerned are also should put in the fisheries management plan. 

For the result of Session 2, the participants recommended that the fisheries officers should support the fishers for CFi registration and crab bank as well as support them the technical support on aquaculture. Besides, the fisheries officers should disseminate the fisheries laws to local fishers. Moreover, it should try to seek the cooperation from authorities to patrol IUU fishing and find the interest donors to support CFi and improve security.

  

For the result of Session 3, it should have MCS in the fisheries communities in order to manage the resources. Furthermore, the registration of fishing vessels and daily catching data should be prepared and recorded. Then, the study on fish species of each area and impact assessment of native aquatic animal species should be also studied. As well as the marketing cooperation with relevant sectors should be considered.

In addition, the participants had a field study trip on mangrove conservation at Peam Krosob Community in Koh Kong Province. This community has 2 villages with 302 families and 3,129 populations (fishers 637 persons). In the past, this area was destroyed by shrimp farmers, then, the local people established the community resources conservation group to rehabilitation mangrove forest by supporting from the agencies. The group had supported by UNDP and other agencies for group operation. Now, the group has their own budget by selling the ticket for visiting the mangrove forest. Furthermore, the group also has many activities such as boat renting to mangrove forest and awareness rising to children.

Training on Trainer (TOT) on Facilitating Fisheries Information Gathering through Introduction of Community Based Fisheries Management: Legislative and Institutional Aspects of Rights-based Fisheries Management

Date: 13-15 August 2014

Venue: Da Nang City, Vietnam

Objectives:

1. Support national fisheries staff and provincial staff with the knowledge of Legislative and Institutional Aspects of Rights-based Fisheries Management,

2. Provide legal basic of Rights-based Fisheries Management supporting for revision process of Fisheries Law in Vietnam,

3. Support institutional building of stakeholders for coastal fisheries management,

4. Provide the practical tool and methodology of fisheries data collection and analysis in coastal small-scale fisheries for better development and management of coastal resources to ensure sustainable livelihood for coastal communities,

5. Provide toolkits on Legislative and Institutional Aspects of Rights-based Fisheries Management with practical lesson learnt.

Results

The training was started by presentation of resource person from SEAFDEC and Japan. There were several topic, namely; the concept and advantage of right-based management of coastal fisheries; the case study in Japan, the Legal bases of Fishery Rights in Japan, Conflict Management and Coordinating Systems in Japanese Fisheries Legislation, Concept and Effective Methodology on data Collection, Data Collection through Community Based Fisheries Management, as well as the Case Study on co-management and community based management from Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.

In addition, Mr. Tuong Phi Lai, resource person from Vietnam, kindly presented on the technique for data collection and to analyze the problem by using problem tree and fishbone diagram. After finished the presentation part, the participant would be divided into 3 groups to discuss on the process to establish rights-based fisheries management in coastal area of Vietnam. Then each group presented on the result from group discussion.

Mobile On-site Training (MOT) on Practical Approach to Co-management in Marine and Inland Fisheries of Cambodia

Date: 28 July -1 August 2014

Venue: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Objectives:

1. To introduce the knowledge and experience on practical approach to rights-based fisheries management to fisheries officer from 8 inland fisheries provinces of Cambodia,

2. To strengthen practical in competence in planning and implementing the applicable inland fishery management plans.

3. To train community fishers by local Cambodian trainers with technical assistance from SEAFDEC on organization of the community based management with knowledge of rights-based fisheries management

4. Gathering of the fishery data and information and understanding the indicators of fishery status, (fish catch, fish price, fishing effort), and socio-economic information)

5. To introduce the communities fisheries legal framework such Royal Decree, sub decree and guideline to implementation for communities fisheries

6. To take a consultation with community fishers and local fishery officers on the improvement of sub decree on community fishery management

Results

Firstly, staff of FiA presented on the importance role of resource management, rights-based and community based co-management, MCS, Improving management of financial and economic activities including the fishery law of Cambodia. After that, the participant were divided into 8 groups, based on Province, to have a discussion on how to sustain Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM). Each group have to discuss on 3 main session, namely; Session 1: How to sustain Community based Fisheries management and make a CFi plan of action in each province, Session 2: Support system by local government, Session 3: Operation of Resource Management (especially Monitoring daily catch).

In addition, SEAFDEC selected Chong Khneas Community Fisheries (CKCF) in Siem Reap Province for the next step of MOT. Then, SEAFDEC’s team and FiA’s staffs visited CKCF which aim to study on how to manage fisheries resources by community. CKCF is a floating village in Tonle Sap, compose of 7 villages and 1,238 households, 70% is fisheries, and 30% is small business and labor, and only 6  villages involved in fisheries management. The main fishing gear is fish gill net. CKCF has formed community fisheries group in 2000, which FAO supported the training course on Fisheries resources management, and encourage community to formulate local regulation for protect fisheries resources. Committee of CKCF has 11 members (included 3 women). CKCF have police and collaborate with agencies to protect the conservation area. The members of CKCF are actively participate in fisheries management. The activities of CKCF are 1) Monthly meeting for discussion on problem and progress the result of their activity, 2) Monitoring two conservation area. CKCF have two activities for future plan in 2015. The first plan is excavate the canal for patrol boat to monitor and protect conservation area. The second plan is reforestation along the conservation area.

Mobile On-site Training (MOT) on Facilitating Fisheries Information Gathering Through Introduction of Community Based Fisheries Management

Date: 1-10 July 2014

Venue: Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand

Development Objectives:

1. Provincial/Local Fisheries Officers will have opportunities on the job training in establishing fisheries management approach in inland fisheries, including community fisheries is practiced widely which is an implication of how to operating fisheries management plan by themselves.

2. Through implementation of this project, useful knowledge and lessons on the promotion of Inland Fisheries community-based resources management will be obtained, which will be applicable to other ASEAN member countries.

Immediate Objectives:

1. Fisheries officers understand the situation of Nam Oon Dam, on problem and needed from fisheries community; and

2. Fisheries community understand their resources situation, and how to make management measures to be sustainable; and

3. Fisheries community and fisheries officers aware the important of co-management, community based resources management and right-based management; and

4. Fisheries community of Nam Oon Dam has committee as a network for autonomous fisheries management.

Results

6 SEAFDEC’s staffs and 6 DOF’s staffs from head quarter and Management unit of Nam Oon Dam were meeting at Nam Oon Dam, the Department of Irrigation. Mr. Boonsong Phanchaiphum, Head of Management unit of Nam Oon Dam, presented on the objectives of project, the result of local workshop, work plan of three year (2013-2015), and explain more on the objective of this trip. The project is namely “Strengthen the participation on integrated fisheries management at Nam Oon Dam”. The objectives were 1) to manage fisheries resources in the Nam Oon Dam by co-management approach, and 2) to be pilot site on co-management approach of local communities and agency concern in the Nam Oon Dam. For base line survey, there are 22 main communities in 8 Sub-Districts, which near Nam Oon Dam. The total of fishers who registered with Management unit (DOF) are 384 fishers. The survey was designed to interview 30-40% of fishers (full-time and part-time fishermen) around Nam Oon Dam. In addition, we plan to have a meeting with 8 communities for fisheries management in the evening. There were three main issues for the meeting, 1) agreement on problem and solution with each community, 2) representative selection of each community, and 3) others problem from each community.

Base line Survey around Nam Oon Dam

Base line survey was conducted by interviewing the fishers in 22 communities around Nam Oon Dam, which located within 5 District covering 8 Sub-district namely: Rae, Nanai, Nongbua, Nongpling, Nikomnam-oon, Kudhai, Warichaphum and Plahlo. The questionnaire compose of four parts: 1) General information, 2) Fisheries sector, 3) Problems and solution on fisheries, and 4) Opinion on fisheries co-management. Most fishers engage in fishery and agriculture. They operate paddy field, rubber tree and cassava. The main purposes of fishery are source of income and consuming. Furthermore, the main fishing gear is gill net and fish trap. The total number of fishers interviewed is 139 fishers. In addition, there are 5 middlemen from Dong Kham pho, Huay Bun and Ban Klang community were interviewed to clarify on fish distribution in Nam Oon Dam area. The result of base line survey will be shown general information of fishermen, situation of fisheries resources, the fish market system, and the problems.

Meeting in the Communities in Nam Oon Dam area

The meeting was organized in each 8 communities and aimed to build awareness on the importance of co-management, make understand on the conservation area in Nam Oon Dam and select the fisheries community representatives to be the Inland Fisheries Management Committee in Nam Oon Dam for establishment a network on Fisheries Management.

Firstly, the meeting started with presentation of fisheries officers on the problems which was found in Nam Oon Dam as well as the ways to solve the problems that consist of 1) To collect fishing fee from fishers outside community whenever they would do fishing in the community, 2) To establish conservation area for fish habitat, 3) patrolling the illegal fishing especially Bug Lift net fishing. After that, the representatives from 8 communities namely: Thai Charoen, Dong Kham pho, Kud ta-kap, Na Chouk, Nong Pauu, Khok Sung, Ban Klang and Nong Pling were selected, totally there are 18 representatives.

In addition, DOF will organize the meeting to select the representatives from another 14 communities. After completed of selecting representative from 22 communities around Nam Oon Dam, DOF and SEAFDEC will invite all of representatives to have a meeting and discussion on work plan and regulations for fisheries management in Nam Oon Dam. This activity plan to held in November 2014 at Nam Oon Dam.

Report Trip for Household Survey at Rayong Province

Date: 19-23 May 2014

Objectives

1. To interview fisheries household at coastal small-scale fisheries,

2. To collect secondary data from Municipality and Tambol Organization Administrative at coastal area of Rayong Province.

Results

After SEAFDEC team informed Mr. Vuthichai Wangkha-art, Director of CMDEC, the background of SEAFDEC-RIHN project and objective of this trip, we met the head of fisher group and discussed on the interviewing plan. In addition, the team visited Leam Rung Ruang fisher group. We met vice leader group, Ms. Somsri, she gave us more information that small-scale fisheries of this group mostly from Rayong Province and moved to Leam Rung Ruang coastal area for fishing. Therefore, their hometown is in city and the second house is in Leam Rung Ruang area. The main fishing gear is blue swimming crab gill net. At Kon Puk fisher group, we could interview only a few fishers because most of them went to the sea for squid jigging, main fishing gear, and would come back in the next 4-5 days.

  The location of Leam Rung Ruang Fishers group (left), Kon Puk Fishers group (right).

Social team visited Nah Boat Yoan fisher group, which the member is about 50. The main fishing gear is squid jigging. Furthermore, the team visited Pak Nam Ban Rao fisher group which leader group is Mr. Lamom. The main fishing gear is shrimp trammel net, swimming crab gill net, and squid castnet. The number of member is around 60. The member of this group is decreasing after oil spill because there are conflict among members on compensation from PTT.  

The location of Nah Boat Yoan Fishers group (left), Pak Nam Ban Rao Fishers group (right).

In addition, the team visited one landing site on squid, which some squid castnet fishing boats are belong to Pak Nam Ban Rao fisher group. There were no any fishers there because some fishers stay at home and some fishers went to Prachuap Kiri Khan or Chumphon Provinces, the southern part of Thailand, for fishing after opening the closed season.

Summary

Social team collected the data in four fisher groups namely, Leam Rung Ruang, Kon Puk, Nah Boat Yuan, Paknam Ban Rao. The total samples of fisheries household of this trip is 53 samples. 8 samples from Leam Rung Ruang fisher group, 5 samples of Kon Puk fisher group, 13 samples of Nah Boat Yoan fisher group, and 27 samples of Pak Nam Ban Rao fisher group. The data will be input in excel and will be analyzed after all samples are collected. The remain samples of Rayong Province is 65 from 9 fisher groups, and the team try to finish it next trip.

ASEAN Regional Workshop for Enhancement of National Support Officer System to Improvement of Autonomous Resources Management and Fisheries Communities

Date: 11-13 March 2014

Venue: Vientiane, Lao PDR

Objectives:

1. Review each country’s activities and legal framework for facilitating community-based resource management with fishing right system.

2. Identify the key factor for successful implementation through case study developed by community-based management.

3. Find out further ways to promote establishing applicable community-based resources management in each country

Conclusion of the Workshop

The ASEAN Regional Workshop for Enhancement of National Support Officer System to Improvement of Autonomous Resources Management and Fisheries Communities was organized on 11-13 March 2014 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The conduct of this Workshop was supported by the ASEAN Foundation and Japanese Trust Fund. The Workshop was participated by the representatives from the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Member Countries (except Myanmar and Singapore), Executive Director and officers of the ASEAN Foundation, SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and officials of SEAFDEC Secretariat and Training Department, representative from the Mekong River Commission (MRC), and experts relevant to national support officer system.

The Workshop was began by Mr. Bounthong Saphakdy, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, welcomed all participants to the Workshop. After that, H.E. Mme Elaine Tan, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, expressed the gratitude for the conduct of this Workshop, following by Dr. Chumnarn Pongsri, Secretary-General of SEAFDEC, once again welcomed all participants to the Workshop. Then, H.E. Dr. Phouangparisak Pravongviengkham, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, expressed his gratefulness for the conduct of this Workshop and declared the Workshop Open.

Next session was Dr. Yasuhisa Kato gave a Keynote Speech on “Importance of Support Officer System for Improvement of Community-based Resources Management and Other Activities of Fisheries Community. Then, Mr. Sommano Phounsavath, Acting Director of the Division of Fisheries, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, presented the Background and Introduction of the Workshop. After finished this session, the Member Countries presented their overview of country's support officer system and activities for improvement of community-based resources management and other activities of fisheries community.

In addition, Dr. Yuttana Theparoonrat from SEAFDEC made presentation on “SEAFDEC Support Activities to Member Countries for Improvement Support Officer System and Activities”. The on-going projects/activities of SEAFDEC were also presented, e.g. particularly the training of the trainers (TOT) conducted in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam, aiming to enhance the capacity of fisheries officers and trainers of these countries on fisheries management and co-management, information gathering through community-based fisheries management (CBFM), as well as other subjects as required by countries, so that these trainers could further conduct mobile on-site trainings (MOT) in their respective countries.

Furthermore, there were presentation from invited experts namely, 1) Mr. Hidenao Watanabe, 2) Dr. Tsutomu Miyata, 3) Mr. Shoichiro Okada, and 4) Mr. Sanchai Tandavanitj. The presentation were 1) Support Officer System and Experience in Japan, 2) Effectiveness and Efficiency of Support Officer System for Facilitation of Autonomous Resources Management by Fisher Group and Case Study in Japan, 3) Experience of Support Officer System in Japan, 4) Support Activities by Government for Fisheries Communities in ASEAN, respectively.

Moreover, the Workshop also identified the key factors for effective Support Officer System, as follows:

A) Establishment of System for Fishery Support Service

              Roles of National Government

·         Recognize the importance of support officer system, and have strong will to establish the system

·         Set up of appropriate scheme for the implementation of fisheries support system

·         Develop national guidelines and strategies for fisheries support system, in close collaboration with local government and local officers

·         Allocate sufficient fund and human resources to local government

·         Provide national training courses to support officers to improve their knowledge and skill

·         Establish/strengthen relevant local institutions in close collaboration with local government and community

              Roles of Local Government

·         Develop local guideline that consistence with national guideline, and fit with the requirements of local community

·         Develop strategies and plans of fisheries support system.

·         In the case where budget allocation and number of support officers are inadequate, the strategies and plan should target the areas where CBFM is likely to be success.

·         Set-up support officer team and ensure their mutual understanding on strategies and plans of support system.

·         Provide training for support officer to fit with local requirement.

 B) Implementation of Fishery Support Service at Communities

               Roles of Government

·         Assign clear responsible areas to each support officer

·         Provide necessary inputs, i.e. funds, equipment, etc., to facilitate the implementation of support services

·         Provide training, and facilitate activities for community members/fishers

·         Provide updated information on status of fishery resources as a basis for support officer services

               Roles of Support Officer (Extension Officer)

·         Explore potential leaders and establish close relationship with the community

·         Conduct regular visit to community to discuss their required support

·         Take leading role during early stage of establishment of fisheries community management organization

·         Provide support based on the requirement of specific fisheries community

In addition, The Member Countries identified the difficulties and problems, and way forward for the promotion of Support Officer System for effective CBFM in their respective countries. Taking into consideration the difficulties and problems faced by the respective Member Countries, the common areas that should be considered by the respective countries in establishment/ promotion of Support Officer System to ensure effective implementation of CBFM could be summarized as follows:

- Ensuring the availability of legal framework, policies, strategies and working mechanism to facilitate the establishment and implementation of the Support Officer System.

- Strengthening of local organizations to take leading roles in fisheries/resources management.

- Establishment of Support Officer System at local level to be familiarized with local communities and obtain information on specific requirement of specific communities.

- Allocation of sufficient financial and human resources required for Support Officer System.

- Enhancing capacity of Support Officers, on technical subjects and managerial/communication skills, in order to be able to extend support to local communities.

- Undertaking activities (by Support Officers in close cooperation/collaboration with relevant governmental agencies, local organizations and stakeholders):

   *   Awareness raising: on relevant legal frameworks, conservation and management concepts, etc.

 * Training: on data collection/analysis, implementation of fisheries management and resources conservation/enhancement, financial management, alternative livelihood, etc.

To enhance future promotion of CBFM by the respective Member Countries, the Workshop encouraged SEAFDEC to continue supporting the initiatives, particularly in developing success model(s) for both coastal and inland ecosystems, in order that this could be replicated/expanded in other areas/countries. SEAFDEC was also requested to consider undertaking analysis of Support Officer System (or systems with similar nature) of the Member Countries, and come up with recommendations that countries could refer to in the development/promotion of their respective Support Officer System.

ASEAN Regional Workshop for Facilitating Community-based Resources Management in Coastal and Inland Fisheries

Date: 18-21 February 2014

Venue: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Objectives:

1. Review country’s activities and legal framework for facilitating community-based resources management with fishing right system;

2. Identify key factors for successful implementation of community-based management; and

3. Identify ways and means for future promotion of community-based resources management by the countries.

Conclusion of the Workshop

The ASEAN Regional Workshop for Facilitating Community-based Resources Management in Coastal and Inland Fisheries was organized on 18-21 February 2014 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with support from the ASEAN Foundation and Japanese Trust Fund. The Workshop was participated by the representatives from the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Member Countries (except Singapore), representative from the ASEAN Foundation, SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and officials of SEAFDEC Secretariat and Training Department, and experts on community-based resources management as resource persons.

The Opening of the Workshop was officiated by H.E. Mr. San Vanty, Under-Secretary of the State, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia, together with H.E. Prof. Dr. Nao Thuok, Director of Fisheries Administration and the SEAFDEC Council Director for Cambodia, and Mr. Hajime Kawamura, the Deputy Secretary-General of SEAFDEC.

The former Assistant Director-General of Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of FAO, Mr. Ichiro Nomura, delivered a Keynote Speech on “Importance of Community-based Management for Southeast Asian Small-scale Fisheries”. Then, the background, objectives and expected outputs from the Workshop as presented by Mr. Lieng Sopha, from the Fisheries of Administration of Cambodia. After that, the Member Countries presented their country's activities, legal framework and difficulties/problems for facilitating community-based resources management. 

Then, Dr. Yuttana Theparoonrat from SEAFDEC made presentation on “SEAFDEC Support Activities to Member Countries for Facilitation of Implementation Community-based Management”. The on-going projects/activities of SEAFDEC were also presented, e.g. particularly the training of the trainers (TOT) conducted in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam, aiming to enhance the capacity of fisheries officers and trainers of these countries on fisheries management approaches, co-management, so that these trainers could further conduct mobile on-site trainings (MOT) in their respective countries. In addition to topics on management, other aspects as required by countries could also be incorporated in the training.

Moreover, the invited resource persons namely, 1) Dr. Mitsutaku Makino, 2) Mr. Rikio Sato, 3) Ms. Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk, and 4) Dr. Kungwan Juntarashote presented on the 1) Community-Based Management with Fishing Rights in Japan, 2) Effectiveness and Efficiencies of Autonomous Resource Management by Fishery Group and Case Study in Japan, 3) Ecosystem-based Management as a Tool for Conflict Resolution and Conservation of Marine Fisheries: Experience from MFF’s Large Project, 4) Activities Facilitate of Community-based Management in ASEAN, respectively.

Based on the countries’ presentations and the experiences shared by resource persons, the Workshop concluded the key factors for the success implementation of the CBRM and fishing right system, as follows:

A) Government Factors

- Availability and implementation of legal and policy framework that support the establishment of CBRM and rights-based fisheries; and allow fishers group/organization to manage their own resources, with clear roles and responsibilities defined for resource users, government and concern stakeholders.

- Government and/or other agencies to provide support to community-based co-management, such as in term of financial/technical supports to the activities, and capacity building to enhance awareness and understanding of fisheries officers and resource users to fully understand the management concept.

- Set clear process for the implementation and facilitation of CBRM, the process should include: Set up of support official team to facilitate CRFM; Pre-survey on fisheries condition of community for making strategies to facilitate CBRM; Education to community fishers on community-based fisheries management; Conduct of planning meeting with core persons; and establishment of CRMO.

- External agencies (e.g. NGOs, academic and research institutions) could play roles in expedite the co-management process (define problems; provide independent advice, ideas and expertise, etc.).

- Community resource management rights are defined (with legal basis), and mechanism/structure established for allocation of rights to community members. Rights should be referred to territorial and use right, and should not be treated as property rights or could not be transferred to others.

B) Fisheries Community Factors

- Fisheries resource boundaries should be clearly defined. Boundary should take in to consideration watershed or life cycle of target species, in order to ensure effective management. Cooperation among fisheries communities is necessary for management of resources that share similar ecosystem, particularly migratory and shared resources.

- Community membership could be clearly defined, e.g. individual fishers or households with rights to fish in the area, and to participate in area management. Group members should also be homogenous, e.g. in social dimension, types of fishing operation, with common problems and needs.

- Community members, resource users and stakeholders that could be affected by management measures should be included and actively participated in the formulation/adjustment in the implementation of such management measures. Community could also take active roles in data collection to support formulation of appropriate management measures. Migrant fishers should also be joined on the decision of management measures.

- Establishment of management measures should be based on available data (e.g. daily catch, fishing effort, etc.) and information, taking into consideration specific situation and requirements of different localities, as well as culture and traditional knowledge of the communities. Management measures should be based on holistic approach, and consider ecosystem approach that balances the need for social-economic and ecology dimensions.

- Individual community members should find rules/regulations for management credible and equitable to encourage participation of all partners.

- Community has active/responsible leader.

- Community members should be encouraged to have willingness to cooperate and contribute (time, effort, etc.) to management process. In this regard, incentive structure for individual community members should be clearly defined (incentives in social and economic aspects) in order to encourage community participation. Compensation should be considered, e.g. for reducing fishing pressures, etc. In addition, fisheries organization should also have incentives for undertaking management roles/functions.

- Community members educated and empowered, to have full awareness on their rights to participate in decision-making and implementation process of management measures.                                  

- Under the community resource users rights, all member of CBRM must take responsibility for their activities decisions without being pressured from government and politics.

- Membership of local organization should be clearly defined.

- Community has adequate financial resources to sustain community-based co-management activities. To sustain the management activities, financial resources should not rely only on external support, but community should also earn incomes from other sources such as membership fee, etc.

In addition, the difficulties and problems of the ASEAN Member Countries in facilitating CBRM as well as the way forward for the promotion of CBRM and related initiatives in their respective countries were indentified. For the conclusion of the Workshop, the Workshop suggested SEAFDEC to consider preparing a policy brief on CBRM, which could compile lessons learnt from various CBRM-related initiatives, in order to promote understanding on CBRM for policy makers and relevant stakeholders. The Workshop also suggested the compilation of success stories on CBRM in order to facilitate sharing of lessons learnt and implementation in other countries. This could be done through production of tools and materials, including audio-materials. Representatives attending in the Workshop were also encouraged to continue promoting CBRM, as well as to encourage policy makers in their respective countries to promote the application of CBRM concept in the future.