The five-day course “Capacity of Training Providers to Deliver Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (E-EAFM)” was organized by the SEAFDEC Training Department (SEAFDEC/TD) from 26 to 30 May 2025 in Krabi Province, Thailand. This training is a part of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project Phase II. The event was attended by 39 participants (22 men and 17 women), representing various stakeholders. The training program aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management across the Bay of Bengal.
Significantly, the training drew key representatives from Fisheries Management Units (FMUs) at Koh Panyee in Phang Nga Province and Rawai in Satun Province, strengthening their capacity to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management. The program also included five fisheries management instructors from Lower Southern Thailand Vocational College along the Andaman coast. Their participation aimed to empower them to transfer vital knowledge and skills to students, thereby expanding the reach and influence of EAFM principles within fisheries education and management across the region.
The program heightened stakeholder awareness and engagement in ecosystem-based approaches, with participants working toward the goal of implementing at least two EAFM plans per country — a substantial step toward regional sustainable fisheries governance. This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the BOBLME II project to promote innovative, ecosystem-centric management practices that conserve biodiversity and support the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.
By equipping practitioners and educators with advanced knowledge and practical skills, this training contributes to embedding sustainable fisheries practices across institutional, community, and educational levels throughout the Bay of Bengal. The continued dissemination of EAFM concepts through training, education, and stakeholder collaboration will be essential in safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
