The European Union (EU) has pledged to provide EUR 6.375 million (around USD 7 million) grants to Cambodia to support reforms of its fisheries sector. The information was shared by EU Ambassador to Cambodia, Igor Driesmans, in a meeting here on December 4th with Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, during which they discussed a wide range of issues in a constructive manner including sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

The grants will be used to support key areas of the fisheries reform, such as monitoring, control and surveillance, flooded forest protection, conservation of marine fisheries, transfer of grants to community fisheries, research and food safety.

“Our partnership in the fisheries sector is large and strong, despite the immense challenges. We are keen and ready to support further the progress in the important field of agri-food safety in order to improve the quality of products produced by the private sector and consumed by Cambodians in the country, as well as support Cambodian processing establishments to meet regional and international markets’ demands. This could offer new market opportunities for Cambodia’s products and create jobs,” said Igor Driesmans.

Agriculture sector including fisheries and forestry are facing global challenges that continue to require strong partnership with all stakeholders – including the EU – to mitigate and adapt to its negative impacts and transform constraints into opportunities, said Tina.

As for fisheries sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is fully committed to supporting sustainable fisheries development in both inland and marine areas, through the whole value chain for the benefit of our fishermen, aquaculture farmers and entrepreneurs, as well as consumers, he underlined.

“We are committed to the protection and conservation of our aquatic habitats and resources,” said the MAFF minister.

Launched in 2019 as the most important programme ever for the EU to support the fisheries sector in a partner country and in Cambodia, CAPFISH Programme (EUR 112 million) is implemented by the Fisheries Administration attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, supporting all pillars of the current national strategy in fisheries until 2025.

Source: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501401859/eu-provides-funds-for-cambodian-government-to-support-reform-of-fisheries-sector/

Small fisher folk leaders from many coastal towns and cities of Negros Occidental brought their concerns to Governor Eugenio Lacson in a dialog at the Provincial Capital. The leaders who belong to the newly-organized Panay-Negros-Guimaras Crab Fishers Alliance (PANEG-CA) and the Negros Occidental Small Fishers Alliance (NOFSFA) called on the governor to address the continued illegal fishing on local waters, poverty, the lack of livelihood for coastal communities, the need for protection and development of the blue swimming crabs (BSC) industry, the intrusion of illegal marine and black sand mining in coastal areas, lack of participation in local governance especially in fisheries and aquatic resource management councils (FARMCs), and the dire effects of climatic changes in coastal areas.

Lacson assured the group to look more deeply into such issues and reassured the fishermen of his support for their struggles for a decent life and sustainable future. Among the initial points of agreement reached with the group included strengthening of monitoring and enforcement on illegal fishing, review of provincial BSC ordinance including the need for the closed season, fostering engagement with local government units and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the strengthening of FARMCs, and the provision of livelihood support to affected small fishers and their families.

Source: https//www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/negros-small-fisher-folk-bring-concerns-to-gov

The program was also complemented with a session for the Issuance of Boat Licenses to 60 individuals from the Tanjung Sedili district. The event was officiated by Yang Berusaha, Mr. Hj. Wan Muhammad Aznan bin Abdullah, Deputy Director-General of Fisheries (Management), Department of Fisheries Malaysia, and attended by Yang Berbahagia, Mr. Hj Zainudin bin Hj Abd Wahab, Director of Fisheries of Johor State, officers, and staff from the Johor State Fisheries Office and the Tanjung Sedili District Fisheries Office.

A briefing on licensing was delivered by officers from the Capture Fisheries Resource Division, Fisheries Headquarters in Putrajaya, namely Mr. Anwar Salam bin Sulaiman, Head of the Licensing Branch, and Mr. Halimi bin Abu Hanif, Head of the Deep-Sea Branch.

Source: Department of Fisheries Malaysia. (https://www.dof.gov.my/en/activities/consultation-program-on-fishing-vessel-licensing-and-deep-sea-fisheries-potential-in-zone-c2-issuance-of-boat-licenses/)