OVERVIEW
Fisheries, which cover both aquaculture and capture of wild stocks, are an
important source of food and livelihood for the poor in Southeast Asia. In this
region, fish consumption provides a large share of animal protein to the average
person's diet, from 40 per cent in the Philippines and Thailand to 57 per
cent in Indonesia and Cambodia. Low-value fish, in particular, is a staple in
the diets of the poor. Fisheries comprise a fast-growing subset of agriculture.
Production growth in the region has averaged 4.4 per cent annually from
1980-2004, almost twice the 2.7 per cent production growth of other agricultural
products over the same period. Moreover, the share of fish in all agricultural
exports in the region reached 19 per cent in 2004, which is triple of
1980's share of only 6 per cent. In addition, the value of fish exports
in 2004 ($9.5 billion) exceeded that of fruits and vegetables
($4.1 billion), cereals ($3.9 billion), coffee, tea, and cocoa
($2.7 billion), and poultry ($0.7 billion; all data from FAO,
2006).
Despite its importance, the fisheries sector remains a neglected area in
agricultural research and development, long dominated by crop agriculture.
Fortunately, in recent years, this neglect is being corrected, as the economic
contribution and dynamism of fisheries have become more prominent. However,
expectations of sustained growth for fisheries-dependent resources. The links
among fisheries, poverty, and sustainability raise a host of important and open
questions for policy research.
To address these concerns, a regional conference was held under the auspices of
the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in
Agriculture (SEARCA), the WorldFish Center, and the Philippine Council for
Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). The conference brought
together leading regional and international fisheries policy experts and
practitioners. The conference reviewed existing knowledge and identified
priority research areas and policy directions for increasing and sustaining
benefits from fish production for the rural poor. Findings and recommendations
would contribute towards region-wide research and capacity-building program on
fisheries and rural development by SEARCA and its partners.