Unlike formal conventions and declarations of the UN, voluntary guidelines provide an integral role for civil society actors and communities in shaping them. Focusing on the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), this article underscores the importance of local-level implementation, given the significant contribution of small-scale fishing communities to national economies. It suggests that democratization requires active community participation, meaningful consultation, as well as identification of relevant indicators and participatory actions. Ultimately, successful implementation of the SSF Guidelines requires contemporaneous empowering of communities at the local level and recognizing the true value of small-scale fishing worldwide.

Read more: INFOFISH International 1/2024

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer commented in a post on X on January 9, 2024 following his attendance at the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou, China, that the Free Trade Agreement signed between both nations has the potential to generate fresh prospects for trade and investment, particularly for the fisheries sector.

The spillover from China's Belt and Road Initiative has positively impacted Maldives' infrastructure and economy over the years. On this note, Minister Zameer acknowledged Maldives' appreciation to China for the solid and productive collaboration between the two nations, encompassing various aspects such as government, business, and culture. "We anticipate with this new FTA that it will further enhance the alliance between the Maldives and China to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fisheries sector that will benefit both of our nations," stated Zameer.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on his state visit to China, characterised the Invest Maldives Forum as the most successful forum to date, with significant business participation from both countries. According to him, the Maldivian government has continued to promote foreign investments to broaden the tourism economy, stimulate the maritime economy, and modernise the financial economy.

Source: https://en.sun.mv/86959

The marine fishing management committee has agreed to allow 1,200 fishing vessels to continue to fish in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea for another 20-50 days, effective January 1 to enable them to earn more revenue.

Bancha Sukkaew, director-general of the Fisheries Department, said today that the committee, chaired by Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, has set the following guidelines:

In the Gulf, surface fishing and bottom trawling can continue for 50 days, while anchovy fishing is limited to 30 day. In the Andaman Sea, bottom trawling is limited to 20 days, 30 days for surface fishing and 50 days for anchovy trawling.

Bancha said that all 1,200 fishing vessels allowed to fish have been through E-license process and they can start fishing immediately and continue to do so until the end of March, marking the end of the fishing season. He said that the relaxation of fishing restrictions will help ease the hardships of fishermen and allow them to generate more income, estimated at about one billion baht. He also maintains that the additional fishing had been discussed with all stakeholders and takes account of the rules contained in the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations.

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/restrictions-on-fishing-vessels-eased/