The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) participated in the 5th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress, held from 27 April to 1 May 2026 in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. The Congress convened a diverse global community to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration in advancing sustainable small-scale fisheries.
At the opening session, Ms. Sampan Panjarat, Secretary-General of SEAFDEC, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in enhancing the sustainability of small-scale fisheries at both regional and global levels. The Congress served as a dynamic platform for researchers, students, young professionals, practitioners, fishers and their organizations, environmental groups, and policymakers to present the latest developments, innovations, and practical experiences related to small-scale fisheries.
In addition to its institutional participation, SEAFDEC actively contributed to the technical sessions of the Congress, with its experts serving as speakers and resource persons. SEAFDEC representatives delivered presentations and shared regional experiences on key topics, thereby enriching discussions and promoting practical knowledge exchange among participants.
This year, the Congress attracted approximately 300 participants from over 50 countries, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations committed to supporting small-scale fisheries worldwide. As part of its participation, SEAFDEC hosted an exhibition booth to showcase its regional programs and initiatives, highlighting efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management, enhance fishers’ livelihoods, strengthen co-management practices, and advance EAFM.
In addition, SEAFDEC supported a field visit to Bang Saphan, a pilot site under its “Improving Fishers’ Livelihood and Fisheries Co-Management in Inland and Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries” Project. The visit offered participants a valuable opportunity to observe community-based fisheries management in practice and to engage directly with local stakeholders, gaining insights into both the challenges and successes of implementing co-management approaches at the local level.
Through its active engagement in the Congress, SEAFDEC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional and global collaboration in support of the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries and the improved well-being of fishing communities.
