The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF), Malaysia, strengthened regional capacity in the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) through a training course on “Capacity of Training Providers to Deliver Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (E-EAFM),” held from 26 to 30 October 2026 in Penang, Malaysia.
Building on the E-EAFM and Training of Trainers (TOT E-EAFM) courses conducted by SEAFDEC/TD from 21 to 29 September 2026, the training provided an opportunity for newly trained Malaysian EAFM trainers to apply their skills and transfer knowledge to key stakeholders from the pilot sites in Kedah and Perak. This approach supported SEAFDEC’s regional efforts to develop national training capacity and promote the wider application of EAFM across Southeast Asia.
The training was officially opened by Madam Azimah binti Jumatli and brought together 22 participants (5 women and 17 men), comprising eight trainers who completed the TOT E-EAFM course, 13 key stakeholders from fisheries and other agencies in Kedah and Perak, and one SEAFDEC/TD representative.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of EAFM principles and their practical application in fisheries management. Particular emphasis was placed on balancing ecological well-being, human well-being, and good governance to support sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal communities.
Beyond strengthening national capacity in Malaysia, this initiative contributed to SEAFDEC’s broader regional efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management through knowledge sharing, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement. It also supported the institutionalization of EAFM under Component 1, Outcome 1.1 of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Phase II (BOBLME II) Project.
The activity was conducted under the BOBLME II Project, implemented by FAO in partnership with IUCN, BOBP-IGO, and SEAFDEC, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of Norway through Norad.
