SEAFDEC Participates in eCDT Technology Showcase Workshop

Two (2) representatives from the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) participated in the “Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (eCDT) Technology Showcase for Marine and Freshwater Fisheries Management in the Mekong Region.” This Workshop was organized by the USAID Ocean Partnership project from 14-16 January 2020 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The objectives of the workshop are 1) to introduce the purpose, costs, and benefits of using eCDT technologies, and share USAID Oceans learning site knowledge and lessons regarding the testing and implementation of these technologies; 2) provide an opportunity for technology company partners to ‘showcase’ their available eCDT technologies with fisheries managers from the Mekong region; and 3) develop country-level national CDT roadmaps for testing and implementing eCDT technologies in Lao PDR. There were thirty (30) participants from Lao PDR National and Provincial fisheries managers, SEAFDEC, representatives from private technology and fishing companies that have developed or implemented the available eCDT technologies and USAID Oceans staff and technical consultants. In this Workshop, SEAFDEC introduced the electronic ASEAN Catch Documentation Scheme (eACDS) as a tool to prevent the entry of fish and fishery products from IUU fishing activities into the Supply Chain. The eACDS activities can be implemented in many good practices such as responsible fishing, labor control (if required), good fish handling, and food safety which link to the good governance and enhance the healthy ecosystem approach, sustainable resources management, and enhance human well-being.