The SEAFDEC Training Department, represented by Ms. Panitnard Weerawat, Head of the Research and Development Division, shared practical experiences from the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem under the implementation of the Sustainable Management of Fisheries, Marine Living Resources and Their Habitats in the Bay of Bengal Region for the Benefit of Coastal States and Communities (BOBLME) Phase II Project on scaling the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Koh Panyee, Phang Nga Province. The presentation, delivered via a recorded video on 13 October 2025 during the session on Resilient Seascapes and Regenerative Blue Economies in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem under the BOBLME II Project at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, highlighted key elements for effective EAFM implementation community ownership, simple monitoring, livelihood support, and institutional recognition.
In Koh Panyee, local fishers, community leaders, and the Department of Fisheries co-developed local management rules such as seasonal closures and gear restrictions, trained volunteers to collect simple catch and habitat data, and introduced livelihood options such as eco-tourism. These efforts led to stronger community compliance, faster adaptive management using local data, and increased support from district and provincial authorities. The key lessons for scaling EAFM are to start small and visible, institutionalize community rules, and ensure sustained funding for facilitation and monitoring. By combining local leadership, practical data, and government support, EAFM helps build coastal resilience and advance sustainable fisheries across the Bay of Bengal region.
