The RPOA-IUU Secretariat participated as a resource speaker at the Regional Training Course on Enhancing Capacity for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) of domestic and international vessels, organized by SEAFDEC on 19–21 August 2025 in Jakarta. The training brought together representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to strengthen knowledge and implementation of MCS activities to combat IUU fishing.
The Secretariat delivered a presentation outlining the role and responsibilities of the RPOA-IUU, including its establishment in 2007, its mission to promote sustainable fisheries, and its core elements anchored in international instruments and best practices. The presentation also highlighted the work of the three sub-regional groups—SESCS–SSS, Gulf of Thailand, and ATS, which support coordination and joint actions.
Key focus areas of RPOA-IUU were shared, including resource management, implementation of international instruments, regional collaboration through data-sharing, and market measures such as E-ACDS and e-logbooks. Country updates were also presented, showcasing initiatives like Indonesia’s integrated surveillance system, Malaysia’s vessel listing procedures, and Thailand’s AN-IUU Interactive Platform.
The Secretariat emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, strengthened data-sharing, and continued capacity-building initiatives. It also introduced partnership mechanism guidelines designed to streamline collaboration with advisory bodies and observers.
Overall, the session underscored RPOA-IUU’s ongoing commitment to supporting countries in addressing the transnational challenges of IUU fishing through cooperation, capacity development, and enhanced information exchange.