Celebrating a Decade of Achievements in Inland Fisheries Management

On October 23, 2024, the Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (IFRDMD) hosted the Decade Achievements of IFRDMD: Workshop on Best Practices in Inland Fisheries Management to Optimize Well-being at the Wyndham Hotel in Palembang, Indonesia. This landmark event marked ten years of dedicated efforts in advancing sustainable inland fisheries practices across Southeast Asia, funded through the Japan Trust Fund VI and Japan Trust Fund VI Phase 2.

During the workshop, IFRDMD showcased the achievements of four key projects, each contributing significantly to the sustainable management and utilization of inland fisheries resources:

• Enhancement of Sustainability of Catadromous Eel Resources in Southeast Asia (2015–2019): This project focused on developing methods to maintain and enhance eel populations that migrate between fresh and saltwater environments, supporting conservation and local economies.
• Promotion of Responsible Utilization of Inland Fisheries in Southeast Asia (2015–2019): Emphasizing sustainable fishing practices, this initiative aimed to foster responsible use of inland fisheries to protect biodiversity and sustain local livelihoods.
• Sustainable Utilization of Anguillid Eels in Southeast Asia (2019–2024): Building on earlier efforts, this project advanced strategies for the sustainable harvesting and management of Anguillid Eels, a valuable resource in the region’s inland waters.
  • Management Scheme of Inland Fisheries in Southeast Asia (2019–2024): This project developed comprehensive management frameworks for inland fisheries to balance resource conservation with community needs across Southeast Asia.

Project leaders Ms Ni Komang Suryati and Mr Freddy Supriyadi presented these project outcomes, highlighting the progress made in ensuring sustainable fisheries management in the region. The presentations were reviewed by distinguished experts Prof. Dr. Gadis Sri Haryani and Prof. Dr. Endi Setiadi Kartamihardja, who provided valuable feedback and insights.

Facilitated by Dr. Toni Ruchimat, the workshop fostered in-depth discussions on best practices and set the stage for future strategies to strengthen inland fisheries management. This event marked a significant moment in IFRDMD’s history, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable resource management to benefit regional communities and ecosystems.