The Training Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/TD), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) of Thailand, conducted a survey and experimental fishing study in Rayong Province, Thailand under the project “Catch Rate and Species Composition of Anchovy Falling Net with Light Luring Fishing.” The survey, scheduled for 16–20 March 2026, aims to collect data on catch rates, species composition, potential bycatch, and fishers’ perspectives regarding this fishing method. Field activities include experimental fishing operations and biological sampling to assess species diversity and the proportion of species caught. The study also incorporates a semi-structured survey to...

On 12 March 2026, at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Secretariat, Mr. Adirake Markphol from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) met with representatives from SEAFDEC/TD, led by Mr. Isara Chanrachakig and Ms. Suwanee Sayan from the Project Planning and Management Division, to discuss the implementation of the BOBLME II Project and strengthen alignment between the components implemented by SEAFDEC and IUCN. A total of three (3) participants (1 female and 2 males) attended the discussion. Under the BOBLME II Project, five (5) components are implemented by the executing agencies. SEAFDEC is responsible for Components 1,...

On 12 March 2026, representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), led by Linnéa Strand and accompanied by Dallakoti Gunjan, Hanson Valkyriea, and Milliken Mattie, visited the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). The Secretary-General of SEAFDEC assigned Mr. Isara Chanrachakig and Ms. Suwanee Sayan from the Project Planning and Management Division of SEAFDEC/TD to represent SEAFDEC in exchanging information on the implementation of the BOBLME II Project in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A total of six (6) participants (4 females and 2 males)...

Event Overview On March 12, 2026, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) hosted the "National Meeting for Verifying the Results of the Pilot Testing of Fishing Gear Marking" at Maejo University's Lamae Campus in Chumphon Province, Thailand. This event was made possible through support from the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and represented a collaborative effort between SEAFDEC’s Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) and the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand. Bringing Research to the Real World The primary goal of the meeting was to validate the outcomes of pilot tests conducted in Chumphon Province from mid-January to late February 2026. SEAFDEC Secretary-General Sampan Panjarat...

The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) and the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand jointly convened the Second Consultative Meeting on the Collaborative Training and Research Projects on 9 March 2026 at DOF in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting brought together 33 participants (13 females and 20 males) from DOF Thailand and SEAFDEC/TD, including senior officials and technical experts. The meeting aimed to review the progress of four (4) projects initiated in 2025 and discuss the proposed seven (7) projects for implementation in 2026. The projects cover several priority areas, including the application of solar energy to reduce operational costs, the testing...

The Marine Engineering Section of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/TD), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand, organized a technical meeting on 9 March 2026 at the Fisheries Monitoring Center (FMC), DOF headquarters in Bangkok. Co-chaired by SEAFDEC/TD and Mr. Aekkarat Wongkeaw, Senior Fisheries Specialist from the DOF, the meeting focused on a presentation by Thaicom Public Company Limited regarding innovative fishing vessel tracking devices. The session aimed to evaluate the specifications, durability, and cost-effectiveness of these devices, as well as to gather information on their limitations and monthly service fees. This initiative is part...

On 6 March 2026, the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) welcomed eight representatives from Kyushu University, Japan. The delegation toured SEAFDEC/TD’s specialized facilities, including the research vessel M.V. SEAFDEC, to observe the technical infrastructure supporting regional fisheries development. The program commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Koichi Tahara, the Deputy Chief of the Training Department. This was followed by comprehensive presentations designed to provide the delegation with deeper insights into fisheries development and Japan’s significant contributions through SEAFDEC. Key topics included: SEAFDEC’s regional role and mission, Core activities of the Training Department, Japanese Trust Fund (JTF) initiatives supporting Southeast Asian...

On 6 March 2026, the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) welcomed 50 university students from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) for an educational site visit. The program began with a comprehensive overview of SEAFDEC’s mission to promote sustainable fisheries and food security across Southeast Asia. A core focus of the session was an expert-led lecture on combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which provided students with critical insights into the regional policies and technological monitoring systems essential for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring ethical fishing practices. To gain practical experience, the students were invited to explore the M.V....

On 5 March 2026, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DOF) Thailand, organized a seminar entitled “Give to Gain for Gender Equality in Fisheries in Thailand” in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. The event aimed to promote awareness of gender equality and support the roles of women in the fisheries sector of Thailand. The activity was conducted under the main theme of International ’s Day 2026, “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes sharing, generosity, and collaboration to sustainably advance gender equality. This was achieved through the exchange of experiences, good practices,...

The Meeting on the Finalization of the Work Plan for the Implementation of the BOBLME II Project with Indonesia will be held from 4 to 6 March 2026 at SEAFDEC/TD in Samut Prakan, Thailand. Organized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and FAO, the meeting will bring together a total of 31 participants (12 females and 19 males). The meeting aims to finalize the two-year work plans (2026–2027) across five (5) project components, including EAFM and IUU (Component 1), Port Management and Gear Marking (Component 3),...