(1)Report of the Second Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region Phang-Nga province, Thailand

Buong text

(1)Report of the Second Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region Phang-Nga province, Thailand. 28-29 August 2012. Southeast Asian Fisheries of Development Center The Secretariat. Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). SEC/SP/142. January 2013. i.

(2) PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT Report of the 2nd Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region, Phang-Nga province, Thailand, 28-29 August 2012 was prepared by the Secretariat of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). The document is distributed to participants of the meeting, SEAFDEC member countries, SEAFDEC Departments and concerned institutions. BIBLIGRAPHIC CITATION SEAFDEC. 2013. Report of the 2nd Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region, Phang-Nga province, Thailand, 28-29 August 2012, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. 83 pp. NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT The publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, by any method or process, without written permission from the copyright holder. Application for such permission with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction desired should be made through and address to: SEAFDEC Secretariat Suraswadi Building Kasetsart University Campus P.O. Box 1046 Kasetsart Post Office Bangkok 10903, Thailand All Rights Reserved ©SEAFDEC 2013. ii.

(3) Contents I. II.. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE OF THE MEETING, ADOPTION OF THE MEETING ....................................................................................................................... 1 III. REVIEW ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS DURING 2009-MID 2012 ......................................................... 2 IV. INTEGRATION OF FISHERIES AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT/REFUGIA AND TRANSBOUNDARY STOCKS AND HABITATS............................................. 2 V. PROMOTION THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT OF FISHING CAPACITY AND REDUCE IUU FISHING IN THE ANDAMAN SEA ..................... 4 VI. THE VULNERABILITY OF SEA GYPSIES FISHERFOLK ....................................... 8 VII. STRENGTHENING OF SUB-REGIONAL DIALOGUE AND BILATERAL/ TRILATERAL COOPERATION AROUND THE ANDAMAN SEA AND BAY OF BENGAL....................................................................................................................... 10 VIII. CONCLUSION, STEPS TO TAKE BY COUNTRIES, SEAFDEC, BOBLME .......... 11 IX. CLOSING OF THE MEETING .................................................................................... 13 ANNEX 1.................................................................................................................................. 14 ANNEX 2.................................................................................................................................. 20 ANNEX 3.................................................................................................................................. 22 ANNEX 4.................................................................................................................................. 30 ANNEX 5.................................................................................................................................. 31 ANNEX 6.................................................................................................................................. 32 ANNEX 7.................................................................................................................................. 33 ANNEX 8.................................................................................................................................. 51 ANNEX 9.................................................................................................................................. 53 ANNEX 10................................................................................................................................ 56 ANNEX 11................................................................................................................................ 62 ANNEX 12................................................................................................................................ 72 ANNEX 13................................................................................................................................ 79. iii.

(4)

(5) Report of the 2nd Meeting of the Andaman Sea Sub-region 28-29 August 2012 Le Méridien, Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand I.. INTRODUCTION. 1. The Second Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region was co-organized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), with financial support by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the SEAFDEC-Sida Project and the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project on 28-29 August 2012 in Phang Nga province, Thailand. 2. The objectives of the Meeting were to provide platform of dialogue and cooperation on matters discussed during the First Meeting of the Andaman Sea Sub-region in 2009 such as integration of fisheries and habitat management, conservation measures for important migratory species (Rastrelliger spp. and Hilsa, etc.), management of fishing capacity, as well as combat IUU fisheries as well as to review the recommendations and actions suggested during the sequence of On-site events/sub-regional consultations/regional consultations conducted from 2009 to 2012 and to promote a defined and results oriented plan of implementation on identified priority actions on sub-regional concern. 3. A total of 45 participants from fisheries and marine parks agencies attended the Meeting from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand together with representatives from the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management as well as SEAFDEC officials and the members of the Regional Fisheries Policy Network. The list of participants is provided in Annex 1. 4. The Secretary-General of SEAFDEC, Dr. Chumnarn Pongsri, firstly welcomed the participants of the Meeting and appreciated the representation of the Andaman Sea countries delegates. He recalled the effort made by SEAFDEC with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) on the process to strengthen cooperation of the Andaman Sea countries in addressing issues of integration of fisheries and habitat management and management of fishing capacity and combating IUU fishing. He encouraged the participants to share information and views in order to come up with the recommendation on the various concerns relevant to fisheries management in the context of the Andaman Sea sub-region. In capacity as chairperson, he then declared the Meeting opened. His Opening Remark appears as Annex 2. II.. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE OF THE MEETING, ADOPTION OF THE MEETING. 5. Ms. Pattaratjit Kaewnuratchadasorn, the SEAFDEC- Sida Project Manager delivered a brief presentation on the meeting background, objectives and agenda. The Prospectus of the Meeting appears as Annex 3. 6.. Then, the Agenda which appears as Annex 4 was adopted.. 1.

(6) III.. REVIEW ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS DURING 2009-MID 2012. 3.1. SEAFDEC-Sida Project. 7. Mrs. Le Hong Lien, RFPN Member for Vietnam presented a brief review on the Implementation of the Recommendations from previous events during 2009 to Mid-2012 including sources of information (baselines) provided. Her presentation appears as Annex 5. 3.2. BOBLME Project. 8. The updates on the BOBLME Project were presented by Dr. Rudolf Hermes, Chief Technical Advisor of BOBLME. His presentation appears in Annex 6. He extended his apologies to the Meeting for failing to involve India an additional Andaman Sea Country involved in the BOBLME Project in the 2nd Meeting for the Andaman Sea Sub-region. He however stressed to the Meeting that a continuous dialogue with India and the other BOBLME countries (Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) is being undertaken to ensure that the aforesaid countries are kept abreast of all project developments. 9. In his presentation, he stressed that the Bay of Bengal has one of the largest marine ecosystem of the world, the BOBLME covers eight countries namely: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand where approximately 450 Million people depend from the Bay for livelihood. He highlighted to the Meeting that the project focuses on fisheries resources assessment, habitat degradation problems and management of important fisheries such as Hilsa, Rastrelliger spp (Indian mackerel and Indo-Pacific mackerel) and sharks. Moreover, it was stressed in the presentation that not only does the aforesaid issues comprise the key components addressed by the project but also towards human resources development. 10. Representative from Ministry of Marine Affair and Fisheries (MOMAF) of Indonesia pointed out that as per resource assessment data from the Central Government, Rastrelliger kanagurta and R. brachysoma are overexploited hence they are now importing the said species. Efforts have been made by MOMAF to enhance fish production through the establishment of Fish Apartment. Dr. Rudolf Hermes added that other management such as closed season would be one of the ways to manage the mackerels. However, additional structure may not really solve overexploitation as there are no scientific evidence that mackerels are dependent on the said structures. In addition, Dr. Rudolf stressed that giving the mackerels and other fishery species time to mature can surely enhance the resources. Therefore he said, that temporal rather than structural interventions may solve the growing problem on overexploitation of mackerels. IV.. INTEGRATION OF FISHERIES AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT/REFUGIA AND TRANSBOUNDARY STOCKS AND HABITATS. 11. Ms. Issarapon Jithlang, RFPN for Thailand presented on “Integration of Fisheries and Habitat Management/Refugia and Transboundary Stocks and Habitats” which appears as Annex 7. She reviewed the management and conservation areas which are also important nursery and spawning areas and act as critical habitats for the life cycle of the fishes, together with information on agencies responsible for the management. She also reviewed information on the migration of the Rastrelliger spp, and in the eastern part of the Andaman Sea the migration path 2.

(7) could be sub-divided into 2 areas: Northern Andaman Sea and Southern Andaman Sea. As part of the management measures of the Mackerel stocks she pointed out the necessity to integrate habitat and fisheries management by revisiting the concept of establishment of larger fisheries resources conservation areas in the Andaman Sea. 12. Dr. Rudolf Hermes, Chief Technical Advisor of BOBLME presented on the work progress under the BOBLME Project. It was highlighted that the Project adopts the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) with ten major areas of work in environment and fisheries as an approach to promote sustainable development, where there is really a need to incorporate fishery management during the planning stage. His presentation appears as Annex 8. 13. The Meeting was also informed that of the major areas addressed by the BOBLME Project ecosystem issues were on top the list. Among the concerns identified in this area is the biological status of fish stocks (particularly mackerels), the impact of fisheries on the environment, the external factors threatening the fisheries, etc. In the discussion of the impact of fishing gears used in the fisheries, references were made to trawls. Furthermore, with regards to gears catching endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species as by-catch, purse seine was quoted to have occasional catches of turtles and may have significant effect to the ecosystem. 14. He also stressed that MPA/fish refugia is just one among many tools in EAF and should be combined with other management measures. He further stressed the importance of stakeholders’ participation and consultation in fishery management plans and he stressed the importance of the scientific information and data to support for the establishment of MPAs. However, any information on where the spawning area, or presence of female mackerels are, can be a good indicator for the pro-active establishment of MPAs/fish refugia. The establishment can be amended once scientific data are available. 15. Noting the importance of stakeholders’ participation through intensive consultation, he encouraged the Meeting to possibly form an inter-agency committee, a working group or agency task force to work with stakeholder groups. With regards to MCS, he pointed out to the Meeting to determine whether there are loopholes in the existing implementation schemes. 16. The project entitled “Tagging Program for Economically Important Pelagic Species in the South China Sea and Andaman Sea” was presented by Mr. Abu Talib Ahmad, representative from SEAFDEC/MFRDMD. In his presentation, the Meeting was informed of the regional synthesis on tagging activities, preliminary findings from genetic survey for population structure and Assessment of the Mackerel Fisheries in the Andaman Sea., focused on four major small pelagic species e.g. Decapterus maruadsi, D. russelli, Rastrelliger kanagurta and R. brachysoma. The Meeting took note the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) for Indian Mackerel Fisheries in the Andaman Sea had been analyzed. His presentation hereto appears as Annex 9. 17. In this regard, he however reiterated that in order to augment the very limited data from the tagging project, genetic studies have been initiated to finally determine the population structure of mackerels and round scads while synchronously determining possible sharing of these species among countries bordering Andaman and South China Sea. He also informed the Meeting that BOBLME might supplement data gathered from the tagging project. 18. While also commending the scientific result of the project presented, the Meeting suggested that the information should be tangible and be translated to the policy makers for them to better understand critical maters as a basis for fisheries management decision. 3.

(8) 19. In this regard, SG affirmed the Meeting that a mechanism should be developed where useful information are simplified and packaged to convey the result to non-technical fishery stakeholders and policy makers. 20. Raising concerns on the remaining years of the BOBLME implementation, Dr. Rudolf encouraged the Meeting to accelerate actions on stock assessment and related matters. V.. PROMOTION THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT OF FISHING CAPACITY AND REDUCE IUU FISHING IN THE ANDAMAN SEA. 5.1 MCS Networks and the establishment in the Andaman Sea (the MCS network revisited) 21. Mr. Adi Wibowo, RFPN for Indonesia presented on “MCS Networks and the establishment in the Andaman Sea (the MCS network revisited) and aspects on “community-based”/local MCS”. A number of vital topics were discussed, to include key partners of countries fringing the Andaman Sea area and the different approaches, responsibilities and initiatives of the said countries in implementing community/ local based MCS. The presentation also includes various activities from past SEAFDEC-Sida with BOBLME project events in CY 2009-2012. Furthermore, some major points recommended at the sub-regional events were discussed. His presentation appears as Annex 10. 22. The Meeting took note the importance of political will in Member Countries for MCS and fisheries management. It is important that the actual implementation should be implemented and not just only kept in the Reports. Furthermore, the Meeting noted that there are several agencies involved in the implementation of MCS, including the Navy, Marine Police and others. 23. The Meeting took note that illegal and destructive (IUU) fishing are among major activities destroying the resource base, hence activities should be identified to form an integral part in developing actions to reduce illegal and destructive fishing and to combat IUU fishing. There are two important issues to consider, these are: 1) Practical issues on how people at the local level can be involved in the formulation of possible policy recommendations; and 2) How to get the “toplevel management” to provide commitments and to allocate resources for the implementation of these recommendations. Expressing support towards efforts to combat illegal and destructive fishing, SEAFDEC should follow up on these matters. There is a need to stress the importance to incorporate this to the policy framework of the Andaman countries and to include it to the recommendations from this meeting. 24. Dr. Magnus Torell complemented that fishing can be illegal without being destructive and vice versa. He further stressed the importance of political will as the catalyst for a successful project implementation as without such, all efforts will be in vain. 25. Recognizing the importance of MCS in combating IUU, the Representative from Myanmar raised to the Meeting that actual monitoring and data gathering in ports should be conducted and further suggested the need for onsite inspection of fishing gears and nets onboard fishing vessels including inspections of the species caught. He also suggested to the Meeting to explore the possibility of installing Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on all vessels operating in Myanmar. 26.. While supporting the suggestion from Myanmar Representative for the installation of 4.

(9) VMS, Dr. Rudolf Hermes suggested to the Meeting the necessity to identify first the steps to follow up on the suitable design before subsequent implementation of the same. Citing the case of India and Indonesia on their trans-boundary problems, the Meeting was informed that information sharing can harmonize the system. This may however be a far reach since even rules in each country have their differences and each unit may have domestic “trans-boundary” disputes. In reaction to this matter, SG viewed that not only does territorial dispute exists between countries but also within countries and between neighboring user groups and competing interests. 27. While developing and implementing national structures for the implementation of MCS, it was also recommended that Member Countries should work to include all types of vessels. The Meeting likewise recommended advance the establishment of improved networks for information sharing and the systems for data management. 28. Appreciating community participation as a vital factor in the successful implementation of any fisheries and habitat management project, the Meeting was encouraged to recognize the importance of stakeholder’s participation and the possibility of inviting high ranking officials and policy makers in the processes relevant to fisheries and habitat management. The attendance of the high-ranking officials to any Meeting might propel suggestions/ recommendations from the meeting into substantial action. 29. However, the Meeting was advised to carefully examine the recommendations made at this meeting and consequently synthesize and digest them a bit to find out how these recommendations best could be implemented and the functions needed to do that. Based on the recommendations from this meeting SAFDEC-Sida and BOBLME will come up with a specific and generic suggestions, and will possibly try to discuss with the Countries for further implementation. 5.2 Cooperation through the Vessel Registration and licensing system, vessel record and Inventory 30. Ms. Keni Anak Ngiwol, RFPN for Malaysia presented on “Fishing Vessel Registration and Licensing Procedures in Andaman Sea Countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar)”, the Meeting was noted of various systems applied in fishing vessel registration, licensing and institutional responsibilities among Andaman Sea countries. She also discussed the varying legislations among the countries mandating their respective legal institutions towards vessel registration and license to fish. Her presentation as appears in Annex 11. 31. It was highlighted in the presentation that SEAFDEC, with support from SEAFDEC-Sida Project, had already conducted initiatives towards managing fishing capacity. It was stressed that “fisheries can not be managed without management of fishing capacity and active fishing efforts”. Moreover, one of the major concerns highlighted to the Meeting was that, there is a need to record the number of vessels in order to be able monitor the number of vessels involved in fishing and to restrict fishing activities to avoid over-fishing. In support to the aforesaid need, she highlighted that a “Vessel Record and Inventory Form” had been introduced in the Region last 2009. It was however pointed out that no clear directions had been recommended by member countries for the use and applications of the forms. 32. Mr. Kongpathai Saraphaivanich, representative from SEAFDEC/Training Department updated on the results of previous Experts Group Meeting for Promotion of Fishing License, Boats Registration and Port State Measures Project. He informed the Meeting that since 2011 – 2012, two expert meetings had been conducted by SEAFDEC Training Department (TD) in 5.

(10) Bangkok. The first meeting in 2011, the Regional Core Experts Meeting on Fishing License, Boats Registration and Information Gathering on Export of Fisheries Products in Southeast Asia, recommended the development of a website in combating IUU fishing, collection of necessary information for fishing license and boats registration from each country and the development of the regional guidelines on fishing license and boats registration. Meanwhile, the second SEAFDEC/TD Expert meeting on Fishing License and Boats Registration was conducted in June 2012 and participants suggested that a data collection system in recording fishing vessels 24 meters in length and over per country in the region should be developed. 33. The representative from Malaysia added that the Department of Fisheries Malaysia a sole agency responsible for the registration of fishing vessels and issuing licenses to fish; hence it is easier to control the activities of the fishing industry and to manage the exploitation of fisheries resources. A license to fish is a requirement for all fishing vessels operating in Malaysian waters, including all small-scale vessels. Licenses are issued based on a in zoning system where the near coastal waters are reserved for “traditional” fishing. There are three zones within the EEZ of Malaysia. The coastal area had already optimized their fishing operation resulting to moratorium on the issuance of license to fish. In addition to the zoning system (based on the size of the vessels) the zoning system facilitates the control of fishing activities and prevents conflict between larger and smaller scale users of marine and fisheries resources. 34. In Myanmar, the Department of Marine Administration and Department of Fisheries are responsible for registration and licensing of fishing vessel. The fishing vessel operating in areas above 5NM from shoreline should apply for license to fish while smaller vessels are allowed to operate in areas less than 5NM from the shoreline and they are not required to apply for license. However, small-scale fishermen are required to report to the local government prior to fishing operation. Both large and small-scale fishing vessels are required to report their total catch by species for compilation to the database as basis for controlling fishing capacity. 35. The representative from Thailand informed the Meeting that licenses are required for the type of fishing gear to use. There are 40 types of fishing gears listed that could be provided with a license to fish. The licenses are applicable for fishing activities in all of Thai waters except in conservation zones. Efforts were made to control destructive fishing capacity and trawls, push nets and fishing gears for catching anchovy are prohibited to operate in a range of 3,000 meters from shoreline. Meanwhile, conflict between large and small scale occurs in some provinces, as these provinces apply a conservation zone of up to 4,500 meter from the shoreline. In addition a program to promote the development of fishing rights between Thailand and Myanmar is already ongoing. 36. With regards to the system implemented in MOMAF – Indonesia, the Meeting was informed that both fishing vessel registration is under the Ministry of transportation and licensing is the responsibility of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The registration procedures for fishing vessels are stipulated under the Indonesian Law of Shipping while the licensing for fishing activities are mandated under the Law of Fisheries. Furthermore, MOMAF – Indonesia also updated the Meeting on the new regulations and procedures on fishing vessel licensing for fishing in Indonesian waters. In these regulations licenses have to make reference to indicated fishing areas as Indonesia have established Fisheries Management Areas to control fishing capacity within the national waters. 37. In relation to the national systems presented, the Andaman Countries were encouraged to ensure the effectiveness of the existing system on fishing vessel registration and licensing 6.

(11) procedures in order to efficiently implement monitoring and control of the fishing vessels including fishing activities. Furthermore, the Meeting was requested to identify trans-boundary issues related to the monitoring and control of fishing vessels to possibly forge agreements between Countries around the Andaman Sea. 5.3 Port Monitoring and Monitoring of Landings by “neighboring” vessels 38. Dr. Kyaw Kyaw, RFPN for Myanmar presented on “Port monitoring and monitoring of Landing by neighboring vessel – cooperation among Andaman Sea Countries”. He emphasized the important role of the port state to implement effective port monitoring and inspections to be able to perform the essential tasks that are needed to monitor vessels at ports and to determine the legality of catches being landed. Effective and reliable port monitoring is fundamental in follow up and to improve fisheries management in the Region. He pointed out the need to establish good and transparent port monitoring mechanisms in sub-regions and the region. To strengthen the effectiveness and to reduce the landing of illegally caught fish it is necessary to establish good cooperation among all relevant sectors and institutions, as well as among neighboring countries. His presentation appears as Annex 12. 39. The representative from Indonesia stated that better information sharing as part ofport monitoring system should be enhanced. He informed that in Indonesia, they have many fishing ports and he informed that they also have small fishing ports. In North Sumatra they have 27 fishing ports (government and private) and nearly 75% of landed fish are landed in private fishing ports, thus, making it difficult to compile reliable fish landing information. 40. The representative from Thailand informed that there are two kinds of monitoring being done fishing ports in Thailand: 1) The monitoring at ports of fish being landed, species, catch composition, etc (to provide a basis for Thai statistics on landed fish), and 2) The monitoring of larger fishing vessels, including foreign vessels and vessels that catch fish outside of Thai waters (using purse seines and trawls). With regards to actual port inspection, another unit is assigned for Phuket, Ranong and Satun Fishing Ports. The unit was made up of a composite team of the staff assigned, representing different departments and discipline. The involvement of Customs is important to conduct inspections on foreign vessel to determine the legal status of species of fish being landed in Thailand (the Thai DOF don’t have any legal right to board foreign vessels. She added that DOF, Thailand have proposed a project on port monitoring and port inspections to FAO with the Phuket Fishing Port as a pilot site. 41. In addition, most of the fishing ports in Thailand are not under the DOF but rather managed by the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO). The FMO is a government enterprise. Neither “port state measures” nor “vessel inspection” is the main purpose of the FMO but rather the maintenance and renovation of facilities to ensure adequate hygienic standards allowing for improved quality of fish products being landed. Moreover, it is important to preserve fish and fisheries products through proper handling, preparation, refrigeration or freezing in food storage facilities at the port. It is important to maintain good water supplies to control and prevent epidemic outbreaks of infectious diseases from unsecured products (citing the green water technology). Furthermore, the participating countries were encouraged to take into account the principles of food safety hygiene and sanitation from the local level and up to national and international level to ensure good health of the people and good quality of exported products. 42. In reaction to the growing need for port inspection to meet a variety of demands, it was mentioned that the recognition of the importance of port monitoring (not only for fish products) 7.

(12) had existed for centuries. Furthermore, the point were raised that the bottom-line for “port managers” is how to effectively manage the ports. In the short run, Thailand and countries around the Andaman Sea can make special arrangements where they can discuss aspects on ways of managing the ports depending on who are the parties involved and to relate critical matters to the to the legal requirements (and implementation) of involved countries. The basic concern for many ports is not really the “policing” but rather to find ways of using the ports in a way that would improve the whole management not only on fish landing but including environmental concerns such as unhealthy environment in the ports and thus, affecting the quality of products being landed. 43. The representative from Thailand informed the Meeting that the Department of Fisheries, Thailand has no responsibility to inspect foreign fishing vessels as there is no specific law mandating the DOF to do such. Likewise, citing differences between the national laws of Andaman countries applicable to the implementation of Port State Measures, the Meeting was informed that the Thai National Fisheries Law can only be applicable to vessels from Thailand, carrying Thai flag. 44. The participants were advised to follow up in their respective countries on the possibility and options available accede to the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures. In relation to this, the Meeting was again made aware of the need to look into the existence of national laws that would facilitate the implementation of the Agreement, such as national legal frameworks that allows for the inspection of foreign fishing vessels. Furthermore, the documentation landed catches should be categorized to facilitate catch certification and onward distribution (processing, direct export, etc). The Meeting suggested that capacity building should be a priority and aiming towards common standards among Andaman and ASEAN countries based on regional applications of the FAO Guidelines (attached to the FAO Agreement). 45. Dr. Rudolf Hermes, Chief Technical Advisor of BOBLME informed the Meeting that FAO is creating a database in follow up to the implementation of Port State Measure. He clarified that BOBLME is not involved in the data collection for improved fisheries statistics. He also emphasized on the concrete need for capacity building on taxonomy for strengthened species identification allowing for improved records on species composition of landed. The BOBLME can support capacity building on taxonomy. In response to the suggestion made by BOBLME, SG Chumnarn expressed his appreciation to BOBLME for involving in development of capacity building for taxonomists thus improving record of species composition of catches in the Andaman region. VI.. THE VULNERABILITY OF SEA GYPSIES FISHERFOLK. 46. Ms. Pilaiwan Prapruit, lecturer from Prince of Songkhla University (PSU), presented a comprehensive study on modern sea gypsies particularly the Urak Lawoi, known to be the first inhabitants of Lipe Island in Thailand. She explained about the location, area coverage and population density of Lipe Island and how they differ physically, demographically and economically from the general population on the mainland of Thailand. The Meeting was informed on the presence of three types of sea gypsies in the Andaman Sea. These are the Moken, Moklen and Urak Lawoi. 47. It was noted that Urak Lawoi are fishermen by birth who have their own identity, tradition, culture and livelihood and that in 5 years, Lipe Island have changed dramatically. The causes of 8.

(13) changes are both from physical and human driving forces that have had impacts on the island. Obviously, Urak Lawoi attempt to cope with the vulnerability to their livelihood and its consequences by applying their indigenous knowledge in flexible and adaptive way to provide a “cushion” to cope with the changes. 48. Expressing concerns, the Meeting inquired on how promoting tourism can conserve the fishery habitat around Lipe Island. The Meeting was informed of the Eco-tourism approach adopted in the area. It was also mentioned that since tourism progressed, no illegal fishing activities by local fishermen have been reported. The Urak Lawois who were trained to be tourist guides were also provided with extensive knowledge on the importance of the habitat. The meeting was informed of the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) also known as Local Indigenous Knowledge of the Urak Lawoi. The LEK made them appreciate better, compared with other groups of people, the ecology of the island and the surrounding marine ecosystem as they are dependent on the area for livelihood. 49. In anticipation to possible proliferation of tourists in the area, the Meeting recommended that there should be a practical control of the number of tourists. It was further recommended to expand the Working Group on MPA (BOBLME) to include quantitative and economic aspects of tourism in forthcoming studies on MPA and the management of protected areas. In response, Ms. Pilaiwan informed the Meeting that social impact of tourism in the Lipe area will be included in the follow-up study by the PSU that would include factors that affect the sustainable development of the area. However, she expressed concern on the lack of staff to undertake the study. 50. In relation to the socio-economic aspects of tourism business in the island, the Meeting was likewise advised on the importance to also consider and take into account the changes in lifestyle of the Urak Lawoi people and to determine, in consultation with the people, whether the lives of the people have changed – to the better or worse?? There was also an expressed concern on how the indigenous knowledge and traditions can be sustained while furthering development. 51. The Meeting was informed that there exists a local language for the Urak Lawoi. However, it was noted that no written documentation on their culture in their own language have been conducted by the Urak Lawoi as they have no written language. Likewise, it was mentioned that a study on the language of the Moklen and Urak Lawoi had been conducted but that did not include any written language. The Meeting was further informed that some students have conducted initial historical studies but not on their local knowledge of the sea. The Meeting was made aware that a book by Mahidol University- Thailand had been published that include their local knowledge and local perceptions of the sea. In addition, the Meeting was informed of the project entitled “IMPAACT” by the Victoria University – Canada, which is focused on the local knowledge of Moklen Tribe. 52. The Meeting acknowledged the need for conservation of the local knowledge of the Sea Gypsies (the Urak Lawoi) particularly on their perception of the sea including practices in maintaining habitats and means to sustain local fishing as this knowledge may disappear due to the stream of developments. Of special interest to this fisheries group was the reference to a selective trap fishing gear where a particular bait propelled the selectivity of the gear. In general, the Meeting stressed the need to better appreciate the importance and cultural heritage of local knowledge – and the rights of indigenous to sustain their livelihoods. SG added that SEAFDEC would continue to address the importance of local knowledge and the role of groups like the Urak Lawoi.. 9.

(14) VII.. STRENGTHENING OF SUB-REGIONAL DIALOGUE AND BILATERAL/ TRILATERAL COOPERATION AROUND THE ANDAMAN SEA AND BAY OF BENGAL. 53. To initiate recommendations on the strengthening of bilateral/ trilateral cooperation and sub-regional arrangements for the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, Ms. Pattaratjit, introduced to the Meeting a potential framework, primarily to be facilitated by SEAFDEC and BOBLME together with the National Partners. The immediate target would be to facilitate recommendations on sub-regional management arrangements in the eastern part of the Andaman Sea. 54. Following recommendations on the habitat and fisheries management (migratory path of Rastrelliger spp and related species) the meeting suggested that the Eastern Andaman Sea should be divided into 2 sub-sub-regions. The first area is the Northern Andaman Sea, from Phuket and up north, including areas of Myanmar and Thailand. The second area is the Southern part, from Phuket down south in into the Malacca Straits, including areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Suggested areas for strengthened cooperation, as presented, include aspects to improve habitat and fisheries management of mutual interest as a basis for trans-boundary dialogue, including options to build and formalize sub-sub regional based on local, trans-boundary practices among provincial agencies - even though they may deviate from the “central” norms. 55. Specific points raised by each of the participating Andaman countries are reflected in Section VIII (Conclusions, Steps to take by Countries, SEAFDEC and BOBLME). In addition, it was recommended to sustain the approach outlined during the Meeting and follow up with India and Bangladesh as additional dialogue partners. The Meeting promptly supported that recommendation. 56. The first round, or type, of agreement among countries, or groups of countries was in general anticipated to be based on bilateral and multilateral agreements depending on the number of countries to be involved in the development of a specific agreement. The Meeting, furthermore recommended for SEAFDEC, BOBLME and partners to apply, where applicable, the technique developed by the IUCN program “Mangrove for the Future” to facilitate dialogue among partners and countries in a given area or sub-region. The Meeting also advised SEAFDEC and BOBLME to coordinate with CORIN-Asia, IUCN and others facilitating cooperation in, and around, the Andaman Sea and try to support promising management options proposed by those and other partners. 57. In general the approach to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among countries and partners at sub-regional, and sub-sub-regional, level was adopted or supported by participants. The lessons learned from sub-regional dialogue and sharing of experiences can be adopted and pieces of “fragmented” results can be put together for future holistic analysis. 58. Furthermore, some participants indicated, with concern on the slow general progress of fostering cooperation in a range of areas, that the First Andaman Sea Meeting (in 2009) where more clear in recommendations on cooperation and ambitions to develop regional agreements over a range of aspects such as those raised in this meeting. These weak responses during this, the final session of the Second Andaman Sea Meeting, on progress towards sub-regional agreements shows a need for SEAFDEC, BOBLME and others to get back to the countries to get earlier (and present) recommendations and commitments confirmed to secure a solid platform for cooperation 10.

(15) and the development of agreements in the region. VIII. CONCLUSION, STEPS TO TAKE BY COUNTRIES, SEAFDEC, BOBLME 59. A set of recommendations from the meeting were summarized in Annex 15. Based on these responses and earlier inputs from the Andaman Countries (sub-regional, on-site, etc), the final set of recommendations from the meeting will developed and attached to the final report. The participating countries were also requested to provide recommendations on possible future priority steps to be undertaken by each of the countries. The summary inputs from the countries during the meeting was as follows: Thailand: a. Study on Indian mackerel and Indo-pacific mackerel particularly on mtDNA. i. The representative from Thailand cited the aforesaid activity as one of the priority steps and requested support from BOBLME. The Meeting was informed of the support of Thailand for the conduct of assessment in the four present Andaman Countries. b. Bring back the agreements from the First Andaman Sea Meeting i.e. Application of Port State Measures, etc. into action; c. Setting-up of Regional (MCS) Network on information sharing; d. Specific steps in relation to the Port State Measures (PSM) such as bilateral agreements to inspect fishing vessels from other countries Agreements must follow and include criteria (outlined in the PSM Agreement) for inspection on board foreign vessels; e. Training of trainers on inspection and protocols for inspection following the Attachments of the FAO PSM Agreement. Malaysia: a. Advised on continued related studies to trans-boundary stocks the Andaman Sea (Malaysia expressed their support and possible participation/ collaboration); i. The study was proposed to be conducted in four countries under the umbrella of BOBLME Project. ii. The issue on the use of foreign research vessel in Malaysia was raised and if the issue cannot be resolved, the Meeting indicated the need to resort to the use of Malaysian flag state research vessels. In conducting studies on mackerels the Meeting was advised to look not only on species related subjects but also on identification of areas (important habitats) within the coastal state waters including adjacent waters. iii. Furthermore, the meeting was informed that M/V SEAFDEC 2 is not a foreign vessel, as it is owned by SEAFDEC. Citing the extensive experiences of the crew and researchers onboard, SG informed the Meeting of the benefits should M/V SEAFDEC 2 be used in the conduct of the studies in Malaysian and adjacent waters.. 11.

(16) In response, Mr. Abu Talib informed the Meeting that should M/V SEAFDEC 2 plan to undergo research studies in Malaysia, they will still need to secure permit from the Security Council, which oftentimes is disapproving such applications. Mr. Talib likewise informed the Meeting of the possible acquisition of one Malaysian research vessel for Malaysian research studies. In view of the above issues raised, Dr. Rudolf informed the Meeting that foreign research vessels can work at Malaysian waters but there are limitations/ restrictions on the equipment onboard i.e. SONAR and RADAR and other equipment that can be seen as military intelligence equipment. b. Implementation of Fisheries Management in the Andaman Sea particularly on Rastrelliger spp. and related species building upon initiatives supported by the BOBLME initiative and SEAFDEC c. Fish stock assessment surveys for Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar; i. The stock assessment should be conducted in the four Member Countries bordering the Andaman Sea with the use of M/V SEADFEC 2. However for Malaysia, the Meeting was informed that should studies be implemented, assessment activities in Malaysia should use Malaysian Flag Vessel due to existing stringent national measures to allow foreign fishing/ research vessels operation using similar methodology used in three other countries. d. Promotion on the effectiveness of fishing capacity to include the 11 countries involved in the RPOA i. In view of the aforesaid, DOF-Malaysia informed the Meeting that the process is already moving forward as the 11 RPOA countries have already met in a dialogue. Note: all Andaman countries except Myanmar and India are involved in the RPOA. Indonesia: a. Possibility of more cooperation among Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar for important pelagic species in support of improved management; i. Indonesia cited the Rastrelliger species and the very important fishery management needs among the aforesaid four countries bordering the Andaman Sea. The Meeting was informed of the critical importance of the articipation of SEAFDEC and BOBLME in collaboration with the Indonesian National Government. b. Citing the unique implementation of Indonesia in implementing fisheries management, Indonesia offered their interest on sharing the process they undertake which may eventually improve data collection process: i. Considering that each country has the unique National Policy in fishery management, the representative from Indonesia reiterated the importance of sharing of experiences and techniques like vessel the marking in Indonesia (as the marking it is essential in the monitoring and the managing of vessels in the Andaman Sea sub-region). Furthermore, they. 12.

(17) suggest dialogue with Thailand on how Thailand collects the data from the landing sites. Indonesia cited Banda Aceh data collection as a potential site for the fishery data collection to obtain reliable data in the area especially on the catch of mackerels. c. In relation to IUU, Indonesia can only share experiences on large-scale surveillance but needs further dialogue or forum on sharing of experiences in monitoring and surveillance of fishing vessels. i. In relation to the aforesaid suggestion from Indonesia, the Meeting was informed of the desire to conduct dialogue on forthcoming and continued step towards combating IUU Fishing with support from SEAFDEC and BOBLME - if possible not only in Andaman Sea but also in Malacca Strait. Myanmar: a. Follow-up with the other countries on research projects related to Rastrelliger spp. i. The Meeting was informed on the interest of Myanmar to conduct studies on Indian mackerel and Indo-pacific Mackerel and determination of the transboundary migration. Likewise, the Meeting was informed that assessment, breeding and population studies could be included. b. Capacity building and cooperation with neighboring countries on Onsite inspection of fishing boat. IX.. CLOSING OF THE MEETING. 60. The Secretary-General of SEAFDEC, Dr. Chumnarn Pongsri expressed his gratitude to the participants for their inputs during the two-day meeting in which a good exchange of views solidified closed cooperation among representatives. He affirmed that that this Meeting could be an important venue to set directions where priority projects and workable activities have been identified. He then declared the Meeting closed.. 13.

(18) Annex 1 List of Participants Indonesia Suwarso, M.Si Senior Researcher. Marine Fisheries Research Center for Fisheries Management and Conservation Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research and Development, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Jl. Muara Baru Ujung, Jakarta 14440, Indonesia Tel : + 62 852 16980875 Fax : +62 21 6605912 E-mail : swarsorimf@gmail.com. Cecep Ridwan Wahyuni Staff of Directorate of Fisheries Resources. Ministry of Marine Affair and Fisheries Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 16 Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia Tel/Fax : +62 21 3453 008 E-mail : cecep.wahyudi1980@gmail.com. Mahrus Staff of Program Cooperation Division. Directorate General of Capture Fisheries Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 16 Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia Tel/Fax : +62 21 352 1781 E-mail : mahrus_mmaf@yahoo.com. Matius Bangun Division Head, Capture Fisheries Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office of North Sumatera Province. Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, North Sumatra Jl. Sei Batu Gingging No.6 Medan North Sumatera 20154, Indonesia Tel : +61 456 8819 Fax : +61 4153338 E-mail : mt.bangun@gmail.com. Arik Sulandari (Ms.) Staff of Program Cooperation Division. Directorate General of Capture Fisheries Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 16 Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia Tel/Fax : +62 21 352 1781 E-mail : arik_keuangan@yahoo.com. 14.

(19) Rina Herawati (Ms.) Staff of Program Cooperation Division. Directorate General of Capture Fisheries Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur No. 16 Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia Tel/Fax : +62 21 352 1781 E-mail : rina_hrwt@yahoo.com Malaysia. Richard Rumpet Senior Researcher. Department of Fisheries Malaysia Fisheries Research Institute Sarawak Jalan Perbadanan, Bintawa P.O Box 2243, 93744 Kuching Sarawak, Malaysia Tel : +60 8 2334144 Fax: +60 8 2331281 E-mail: richardrum@yahoo.com. Jackson Anak Clive Jusak Fisheries Officer. Department of Fisheries Malaysia Sarawak State Marine Fisheries Office Level 15, Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Jalan Simpang Tiga, Peti Surat 1375 93728 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia Tel : +60 82 240 046 Fax: +60 82 415 499 E-mail: jackson@dof.gov.my. Halijah bt Mat Sin (Ms.) Director,. Department of Marine Park Malaysia Aras II, Wisma Sumber Asli Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel : +60 3 888 61379 62628 E-mail: halijahmatsin@nre.gov.my. Mazidah bt Ab. Hamid (Ms.) Fisheries Officer. Department of Fisheries Malaysia Wisma Tani, Block 4G2, Precint 4 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62628, Putrajaya, Malaysia Tel : +60 3 8870 4664 Fax: +60 3 8889 2180 E-mail: mazidah@dof.gov.my. Htun Win Director, Research and Development Div.. Myanmar Department of Fisheries Conner of Bayint Naung Rd. and Bayint Naung Avenue, West Gyogone Insein Township Road Yangon, Myanmar Tel: +95 1 647532 Fax: +95 1 647533 E-mail: twtunwinkyi1@gmail.com. 15.

(20) Kitty Sein (Ms.) Deputy Director. Planning and Statistics Department Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry Building No. 28, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Tel : +95 67 405376 Fax: + 95 67 405012. Htay Lwin Oo Deputy Director (Nautical). Department of Marine Administration Dockyard Main Rod, Dawbon Township Yangon, Myanmar Tel : +95 59 42808, +95 1 553091 Fax: + 95 1 556047 E-mail: hlwinoo@gmail.com Thailand. Praulai Nootmorn (Ms.) Director, Marine Fisheries Research and Development Technological Institute. Department of Fisheries, Kaset-Klang, Phaholyotin Rd., Chatuchak Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel : +66 2 9406559 Fax : +66 2 9406559 E-mail: nootmorn@yahoo.com. Poungthong Onoora (Ms.) Chief, Marine Law Studied Group. Legal Affairs Division Department of Fisheries, Kaset-Klang, Phaholyotin Rd., Chatuchak Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel : +66 2 561 2928, 562 0600-15 Ext. 2121 Fax : +66 2 5612928 E-mail: poungthong.marine@gmail.com. Bundit Kullavanijaya Chief, Ladkrabang Fish Inspection office. Department of Fisheries, Kaset-Klang, Phaholyotin Rd., Chatuchak Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel: +66 2 3609117 Fax : +66 2 3609112 E-mail: kullavanijaya@hotmail.com. Suchart Ingthamjitr Director, Fisheries Licensing and Management Mesure Section. Wudtichai Wungkhahart Director, Andaman sea Fisheries Research and. Department of Fisheries Fisheries Administration and Management Bureau Department of Fisheries Kaset-Klang, Phaholyotin Rd., Chatuchak Bangkok 10900, Thailand Tel: +66 2 579 9767 Fax : +66 2 561 4689 E-mail: sucharting@gmail.com Department of Fisheries 77 Moo 7, Sakdidej Road Vichit Sub District, Muang District 16.

(21) Development Center. Phuket Province 83000, Thailand Tel : +66 7 6391138 Fax : +66 7 6391140 E-mail: wungkahart@yahoo.com. Kumpon Loychuen Chief, Ranong Marine Fisheries Station. Department of Fisheries 157 Moo 1, Sapanpla Road Paknam Sub-District , Muang District Ranong Province 85000, Thailand Tel: +66 7 7812365-6 Fax : +66 7 7812365 E-mail: k_loychuen@yahoo.com COLLABORATING PARTNERS. Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project Rudolf Hermes Chief Technical Advisor. BOBLME 77 Moo 7 Sakdidej Raod Makham Bay, Tambol Vichit, Muang District Phukett 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 8 44395209 Fax: +66 76 391864 E-mail: rudolf.hermes@boblme.org. Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management Lars Johansson Senior Fisheries Officer. Box 11930 SE 404 39 Goteborg, Sweden Tel: +46 705129973 E-mail: larsingen@hotmail.com. Peter Funegard Senior Analyst. Box 11930 SE 404 39 Goteborg, Sweden Tel: +46 706899325 E-mail: peter.funegard@havochvatten.se Prince of Songkla University. Pilaiwan Prapruit (Ms.) Research Lecherer. Marine and Coastal Resource Institute 15 Karnjanayanit Road Hat Yai, Songkla 90110, Thailand Tel: +66 8 19597443 E-mail: ppilaiwa@yahoo.com Observer. Rick Gregory Consultant. P.O. Box 3, Prasing Post Office Muang District, Chiang Mai 50205 Thailand 17.

(22) Tel: +66 8 495 03740 E-mail: richgregory1@gmail.com SEAFDEC The Secretariat Chumnarn Pongsri Secretary-General. SEAFDEC/Secretariat P.O. Box 1046, Kasetsart Post Office Bangkok 10903, Thailand Phone: +66 (2) 940 6326 Fax: +66 (2) 940 6336 E-mail: sg@seafdec.org. Magnus Torell Senior Advisor. E-mail: magnus@seafdec.org. Tadahiro Kawata Technical Coordinator. E-mail: kawata@seafdec.org. Nualanong Tongdee (Ms.) Information Program Coordinator. E-mail: nual@seafdec.org. Pattaratjit Kaewnuratchadasorn (Ms.) SEAFDEC-Sida Project Manager. E-mail: pattaratjit@seafdec.org. Sawitree Chamsai (Ms.) Policy and Program Officer. E-mail: sawitree@seafdec.org. Sawitree Chamsai (Ms.) Policy and Program Officer. E-mail: sawitree@seafdec.org. Training Department Kongpathai Saraphaivanich Section Head, Information and Communication Technology Section. P.O. Box 97 Phrasamutchedi Samut Prakan 10290, Thailand Phone: +66 2 425 6100 Fax: +66 2 425 6111 E-mail: kongpathai@seafdec.org. Penchan Laongmanee (Ms.) Section Head, Fishing Ground & Fishery Oceanography Section. E-mail: penchan@seafdec.org. Natinee Sukramongkol (Ms.) Fishery Oceanographer. E-mail: natinee@seafdec.org. 18.

(23) The Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD) Taman Perikanan Chendering Abu Talib Ahmad Special Department Coordinator 21080 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia Tel: +609 6175940, 6171543 Fax: +609 617 5136 E-mail: abutalib@seafdec.org.my SEAFDEC Regional Fisheries Policy Network (RFPN) Members Leng Sam Ath RFPN for Cambodia. SEAFDEC/Secretariat P.O. Box 1046, Kasetsart Post Office Bangkok 10903, Thailand Phone: +66 (2) 940 6326 Fax: +66 (2) 940 6336. Adi Wibowo RFPN for Indonesia Sisamouth Phengsakoun (Ms.) RFPN for Lao PDR Keni Anak Ngiwol (Ms.) RFPN for Malaysia Kyaw Kyaw RFPN for Myanmar Ronnie O. Romero RFPN for the Philippines Issarapon Jithlang (Ms.) RFPN for Thailand Le Hong Lien (Ms.) RFPN for Vietnam Secretariat of the meeting Matinee Boonyintu (Ms.). SEAFDEC/Secretariat P.O. Box 1046, Kasetsart Post Office Bangkok 10903, Thailand Phone: +66 (2) 940 6326 Fax: +66 (2) 940 6336. Julasak Markawat. E-mail: julasak@seafdec.org. 19.

(24) Annex 2 OPENING REMARKS By Dr. Chumnarn Pongsri, SEAFDEC Secretary-General Distinguished delegates from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, representatives from academic, Dr. Rudolf Hermes, Chief Technical Advisor of the BOBLME Project, honorable guests from Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, my colleagues from SEAFDEC, Members of the Regional Fisheries Policy Network, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning, It gives me a great pleasure to welcome all of you and chair the Opening Ceremony this morning of “The 2nd Meeting of the Andaman Sea Sub-region” which is co-hosted by the SEAFDEC-Sida Project in cooperation with the BOBLME Project. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all of you for sparing your valuable time to take part in this important gathering. Please allow me to recall you on the process of the initiative in the promotion of sustainable fisheries around the Andaman Sea Sub-region under the SEAFDEC-Sida Project that started in 2009. Activities have been implemented by promoting dialogues among Andaman Sea Member Countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand with aims to achieve the long term sustainable use of fisheries resources, habitats and mitigate impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of the fisherfolk of the Andaman Sea Sub-region. The SEAFDEC-Sida Project in cooperation with the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project has worked together to promote key concerns on fisheries and habitat management through the concept on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, fishing capacity, reduce IUU fishing, aiming towards sustainable management actions for the Andaman Sea Sub-region. Along with the efforts that the SEAFDEC-Sida Project has made in close collaboration with the BOBLME Project to promote sustainable fisheries and protection of the marine environment of the Andaman Sea. The SEAFDEC-Sida Project emphasized throughout these few years on the necessity to understand the importance of habitat and management fisheries and reduce IUU Fishing around the Andaman Sea at local levels. A sequence of the On-site Workshops have been conducted during 2010-2011, in cooperation with Member Countries in Medan, Indonesia, Langkawi, Malaysia, and Satun and Ranong, Thailand. Furthermore, the dialogues to promote sub-regional arrangement also took part at sub-sub-regional Consultative events for the southern and northern Andaman Sea, respectively, in 2010 and 2011 by providing venues to review problems and suggest solutions on matters of importance to fisheries and habitat management, the movement and life cycle of Rastrelliger spp, basic for enforcement of rules and regulation as well as to explore options to develop arrangements for cooperation and management around Andaman Sea sub-region. Ladies and gentlemen, A continuation of the process has been deemed essential by all involved parties at regional, national and local levels. Hence, this Meeting gives the attention for the Andaman Sea subregional coordination in order to move forward for the management and coordination on areas of common interests among the Countries and to move from a period of initiating to action. The Meeting is intended to provide a venue for Member Countries to discuss for cooperation and to review the recommendations and actions suggested during the sequence of On-site events/subregional consultations/regional consultation and to promote a defined and results oriented plan of 20.

(25) implementation of identified priority actions of continued on sub-regional concern, such as environmental sustainability, integration of fisheries and habitat management (ecosystems approach to fisheries), conservation measures for important migratory species (Rastrelliger spp and Hilsa), management of fishing capacity, vessel registration, port monitoring etc as well as to combat illegal and destructive fishing. It is expected that we will agree on some concrete recommendations on how further cooperation between Andaman Sea Countries and SEAFDEC and BOBLME project to improve fisheries and habitat management and dealing with issues on illegal and destructive fishing in the Sub-region. Finally, on behalf of the organizers, I would like to take this opportunity to once again welcome you all and I hope that, apart from learning more about our sea, our resources, we look forward to a successful output of your deliberations. Without further ado, it is opportune time for me now to declare the Second Meeting of the Andaman Sea Sub-region open. I hope you have a pleasant stay in Phang Nga. Thank you very much and have a good day.. 21.

(26) Annex 3 PROVISIONAL PROPECTUS I.. Introduction. The growing understanding on the importance of coastal fisheries resources and marine ecosystems for the livelihood and sustenance of coastal communities has been followed by a rapid increase in the attention and calls in recent year on actions to take to improve the situation for affected communities. These communities are in the midst of pressures from a range of sources that need to be considered (natural and anthropogenic) such as impacts of environmental degradation, climate variability and climate change, natural calamities, illegal and destructive fishing methods, overfishing, etc. Actions/measures to counter and mitigate the effects of these situations and to attain sustainability of natural resources utilization, fisheries and other means of livelihoods should be promoted for generations to come. To meet these challenges in the Andaman Sea sub-region, SEAFDEC in cooperation with the BOBLME, has continued to provide platforms (in the region and in key sub-regions) to collectively address these environmental, natural resources, fisheries and human concerns. Similar approaches have also been implemented in South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Sub-regions. The Sub-regional cooperation for the management of fisheries in various sub-regions of the Southeast Asia has been an effective means in pooling managers and experts in addressing issues affecting fisheries sustainability and to highlight important baselines for continued action. Series of technical meetings/consultations have been carried out to encourage exchange of ideas, to explore strategies and to clarify challenges facing the Region. In the Region, the ASEAN and SEAFDEC has, together with the BOBLME Project, been promoting regional and sub-regional cooperation by continuing to provide venues for dialogues to enhance such cooperation in fisheries related aspects. One important focal area in the process is the strengthening of human capacity among fishing communities and related parties to improve the Integration of Fisheries and Habitat Management and the Management Fisheries Capacity including efforts to address climate change and adaptation. The sub-regional cooperation for the Andaman Sea subregion is the main targeted area for cooperation under the present phase of the SEAFDEC-Sida Project. The Andaman Sea is an important section of the Bay of Bengal and, thus, a major priority for the BOBLME Project. Within the Andaman Sea sub-region the need to cooperate to promote the implementation of priority action has been emphasised on matters such as management and utilization of trans-boundary stocks, promotion of habitat management by integrating aspects of fisheries management, building resilience and capacity for climate change adaptation. Furthermore, the importance to improve management of fishing capacity is a key concern, including initiation of sub-regional MCS Network, promotion of effective licensing schemes, port monitoring and ways to combat IUU Fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing). Background, including baselines (including lack of basic information), are provided in documentation and reports from the First Andaman Sea Meeting (2009), sub-regional events and on-site events organized by SEAFDEC-Sida Project and BOBLME project 2009 to 2012. The Andaman Sea Sub-regional dialogue on mechanisms for regional cooperation was, based on the SEAFDEC-Sida promotion, initiated in October 2009 by the conduct of the “First Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region”. Thanks to the cooperation with the BOBLME Project all Andaman Sea countries, including India, could take part in an Andaman Sea gathering for the first time. The recommendation and basic information provided through participating countries has been followed by a sequence of “On-site” Workshops on Capacity Building for Integration of Fisheries and Habitat Management and the Management of Fishing Capacity” in several localities in the sub-region (5 on-site workshops and 2 subsub-regional meetings, as well as an additional 2 on-site events and workshops and 2 sub-sub-regional meetings organized by BOBLME Project through CORIN Asia). The events were attended by representatives from relevant agencies (fisheries, transport, environment, etc.) from four countries encompassing the Andaman Sea sub-region (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) to facilitate. 22.

(27) meaningful dialogues between and among agencies and countries. In addition, the events also involved local stakeholders particularly fishermen groups and organization to focus on fisheries management and strategies for responses to climate change. These events have initiated the build-up of cooperative platforms by providing venues to review problems and suggest solutions on matters of importance to fisheries and habitat management, diversified livelihoods as well as to explore options to develop arrangements for cooperation and management around Andaman Sea sub-region. In order to sustain the momentum of the activities that has been initiated through this mechanism, a continuation of the process has been deemed essential by all involved parties at regional, national and local level. In particular the recommendations given during the previous sub-regional meeting has to be highlighted as well as to strengthen collaborative efforts with other related international organizations and initiatives (e.g. BOBLME, Wetlands Alliance/CORIN Asia and Mangroves for the Future/IUCN). In addition priority interventions and strategies addressing various fisheries related issues in the sub region has to be discussed with an aim to become more action oriented. Aspects such as the integration of habitat management into fisheries management (as an ecosystem approach to fisheries, EAF) should give more emphasis and consideration to generate efforts and outcomes to better manage coastal environments and resources. The management of trans-boundary fish species, Rastrelliger spp. is also of great importance in this sub-region, especially in the eastern part. Other important species include, in the western part, Hilsa. In addition, the review of management systems and mapping of existing defined areas/zones in this sub region is essential and need to be an on-going activity. Apart from important information (baselines) it will be a basis for management interventions and the development of “larger fisheries resources conservation areas”. Likewise ways to manage of fishing capacity through vessel record/inventory and possible establishment of MCS network as well as other measures to counter/deter IUU Fishing. First Meeting of the Andaman Sea sub-region, 20-22 October 2009, Phuket, Thailand In addressing the issues mentioned above, the First Meeting of the Andaman Sea Sub-region was organized from 20 to 22 October, 2009, in Phuket, Thailand by the SEAFDEC-Sida Project in cooperation with the BOBLME Project. It was attended by representatives from the relevant agencies in countries surrounding the Andaman Sea Sub-region, namely: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The meeting provided a venue to discussed matter regarding sub-regional fisheries issues threatening resource’s sustainability. Integration of fisheries and habitat management, larger fisheries resources conservation areas (Fisheries Refugia) The Meeting discussed and explored ways to introduce the concept of larger fisheries resources conservation areas by initiating a dialogue with the countries around the Andaman Sea. It provided set of concrete recommendations in establishing “larger fisheries resources conservation areas” including an aggregate of existing and effective smaller management areas (i.e. MPA’s, other refugia, etc) encompassing critical habitats of important trans-boundary fish species. As such, it was suggested that through designated focal points, an inventory of “management areas” or “conservation zones”, which were set up for different purposes, including accurate locations should be provided by Member Countries. To better understand functions of critical habitats and fisheries refugia, the relevant information on important habitats in the sub-region may also be sourced from relevant international organizations (e.g. IUCN, MFF, Wetlands International, etc) and from Member countries. On species specific measures, the Meeting suggested to develop management measures for Rastrelliger spp. and “Hilsa” species. Likewise, factors affecting their distribution/seasonal shifting must be given much attention such as the effect of shifts in oceanographic and weather patterns (climate change). Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Network, Vessel Record and Inventory The 1st Meeting for Andaman Sea Sub-region also provided recommendations on the management of fishing capacity by the establishment of MCS network, strengthening of vessel record and inventory and port monitoring. The meeting recommended that initial activity to initiate sub-regional cooperation should focus on information sharing, identify key activities related on M, C and S and indicate responsible national. 23.

(28) institutions on such activities. Importantly the activities should be within the legal framework of Member countries involved. Likewise, possible development of local MCS involving local populace and their knowledge maybe considered. The Meeting also recognized the need to have a sub-regional vessel record and inventory. With regards to port monitoring, it was a general consensus that the capacity building on MCS at national, provincial and local level will ultimately developed the capacity on port monitoring. Efforts to improve management of fishing capacity were recognized as important tools in combating IUU fishing. Capacity Building, Climate Change and Local Knowledge Matters regarding capacity building, climate change adaptation and importance of local knowledge in effective coastal resource management schemes were highlighted. Some examples were provided on how local knowledge and customary institutions (i.e. Indonesia) are vital in resource management. Such knowledge is essential in establishment of local MCS, resource management and in building up capacity for climate change adaptation. On capacity building, the meeting suggested that the activities be integrated in on-site trainings for communities in Andaman Sea. It also discussed measures on ways to mitigate the effect of climate change as cross cutting matter related to fisheries and habitat management includes social development. Actions on how to enhance resilience and adoptive capacity to the effects of climate change have also been discussed. On-site Training/Workshop on Capacity Building for Integration of Fisheries and Habitat Management and the Management of Fishing Capacity In order to strengthen the capacity of fishing communities and related stakeholders to improve the integration of fisheries and habitat management and the management of fishing capacity, the SEAFDECSida Project in cooperation with the BOBLME Project organized seven (7) On-site Trainings/Workshops in various localities surrounding the eastern part of the Andaman Sea sub-region from 2010 to second half of 2011. These On-site Trainings/Workshops were co-organized by relevant institutions and participated by local stakeholders such as academe, local resource managers, NGO and fishermen’s organizations. These events envisaged educating and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders on various resources management systems for sustainable fisheries and sound habitat conservation. Information was provided and awareness was raised in order to enhance local adaptive strategies in response to effects of climate change to coastal communities and their livelihood. Moreover, these Workshops also aimed to seek collaborative means in managing fishing capacity and combating IUU fishing in the region by providing platform of lecture and discussions among participants. Relevant regulations and policies that have fisheries and habitat implications were also discussed during the events. Said workshops also exposed (through site visits) effective habitat management areas (i.e. Marine Parks) and were thereby providing concrete examples on how these management zones works and their benefits to the ecosystem and the population it supports. The salient information and recommendations from the series of OnsiteTraining/workshop herewith provided below: BOBLME, through CORIN Asia and in collaboration with its national Coordinators in Myanmar and Thailand, complemented these activities through workshops and consultations leading to an agreement of both countries on establishing a joint management structure, including planning and management committee, technical working groups and an advisory committee, for the Mergui Archipelago. Place and Date. Notable Discussions and Recommendations. Medan-North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, 1922 July 2010. The training/workshop provided management concepts and working strategies on the integration of fisheries management into management, management of fishing capacity, reduction (if not elimination) of Illegal Fishing, regional fishing vessel record and inventory, port monitoring, MCS, local/customary management practices, and regulations that has implications to fisheries. The meeting provided the participants with information of the activities under the BOBLME Project and on aspects of the “Environmental. 24.

(29) Place and Date. Notable Discussions and Recommendations Approach to Fisheries”.. Langkawi, Malaysia, 2326 November 2010. Myeik district, Myanmar, 3-5 March 2011. The workshop highlighted the importance to continue to enhance sub regional cooperation to further strengthen the capacity and improve the integration of fisheries and habitat management by Central government in collaboration with regional and other relevant organization. Specific activities recommended include, improvement of habitat condition (pollution control), fishing vessel inventory and strict enforcement of fishing zones, imposition of fishing control and improvement of licensing systems. Similarly as mentioned above, this workshop was mainly aimed to provide information, raise awareness and capacity building on the integration of fisheries and habitat management. The workshop provided concrete examples of strategies in managing fisheries resources. To highlight, these include, the concept of responsible fishing capacity among communities, Community-based Fisheries Management and reduction of trawls by “Exit Plan” Program, Likewise the lectures provide answer to the objectives such as; the “Marine Park Program”, use of Artificial reefs as resource enhancement method, measures in managing fishing capacity, transboundary species, and reduction of illegal and destructive fishing. More importantly, the participants were exposed on the activities implemented by a Community-based Fisheries Management (CBFM). Further, relevant issues such as inter-boundary fishing practices, effects of light fishing in resource availability in localities, inter-lapping of functions among managers, unsustainable fishing methods (trawl by-catch) were raised and addressed during the workshop. The workshop provided varied recommendations/suggestions to answer the region’s fisheries problems. To highlight, it was recommended to develop collaboration between the fishermen associations from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand in the field of fisheries, conflict resolution, and marketing of fishery products and the concept of Marine parks was widely supported. On aspects pertaining to AR’s, the workshop also supports the measure and encourages the deployment in identified areas around the sub-region. In addition, the participation of local fishermen’s groups are essential in carrying out such activities particularly in determining appropriate designs, materials and identifying deployment areas. Further in developing of management strategies, the participation of various stakeholders was deemed vital. As such, in imposition of fishery regulation, local consultation is to be made. The importance of science-based data/information was also raised in support to formulation management measures. Participants were informed on the several specific coastal habitat management programs (closed areas/season) being implemented in Myanmar. In particular, the Workshop suggests for diversified and alternative livelihood interventions, increase awareness on concepts of the CCRF and matters relating to fishery law enforcement (law implications to fisheries and issues on enforcements). Likewise, the management of small pelagic stocks (Rastrelliger and Hilsa) was also tackled. The workshop discussed measures for the management of fishing capacity that would improve fisheries management and support efforts to combat IUU fishing in the region. The workshop provided recommendations that would address the issues. 25.