ABSTRACT
Fisheries and aquaculture production are significant to Southeast Asian
economies, mostly for food security and livelihood source. Its output in the
sector steadily increased in the last forty years. However, a thorough
examination of existing technologies for the fisheries sector is still
needed before policies can be formulated. This paper discusses technology
profiles for aquaculture and capture fisheries in the Southeast Asian
region, and also provides national action plans for Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
OVERVIEW
The capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors are of fundamental importance to
Southeast Asia in terms of food security, revenue generation, and employment.
Both catching and farming aquatic resources form a vital part of the rural
people's livelihoods in several countries. Culturally, aquatic resources
mean more than just a source of income or food supply. Traditional fishery
products such as fish sauce and fish-based condiments are significant
ingredients of people's daily diet and are not easily substituted. All
sizes and types of fish are utilised with very little wastage. Only recently has
it become apparent that fish play an essential role in both the food security
and nutritional security of many rural and coastal populations.
Fisheries and aquaculture production contribute significantly to national
economies across the Southeast Asian region. This region is a major producer of
fish, both from aquaculture and capture. In the last four decades, output growth
has been very strong (APFIC 2004). Still, strategies for the sector must take
careful consideration of the characteristics of the technology both in
aquaculture and fisheries. This paper provides a profile of aquaculture and
capture technologies in Southeast Asia, as well as a discussion of policy issues
and action plans. It draws heavily from a study conducted by the WorldFish
Center and partner national research organisations throughout the region
(WorldFish Center 2005).
PROFILE OF TECHNOLOGIES
Aquaculture
Aquaculture, originally dedicated to ornamental fish and for subsistence (e.g.,
naturally stocked water catchments), has been developed for several centuries in
Southeast Asia.