In line with its commitment to combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the RPOA-IUU continues to strengthen collaboration with regional and international partners, including ASEAN. The Secretariat recently participated in the 17th ASEAN Fisheries Consultative Forum (AFCF), held in hybrid format in Yangon, Myanmar.
The RPOA-IUU Secretariat presented recent developments under the RPOA-IUU framework, including strengthened Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) instruments, enhanced data-sharing mechanisms, and targeted capacity-building programs. The Secretariat also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to improve labour conditions in the fishing sector.
Looking ahead, the Secretariat outlined upcoming priorities such as advanced training on fisheries intelligence, finalizing data-sharing protocols, and promoting decent work standards through public engagement.
Representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam reaffirmed their active participation in RPOA-IUU activities and emphasized the importance of collective action. The forum reinforced the critical role of regional cooperation in combating IUU fishing and advancing sustainable, equitable fisheries governance across Southeast Asia.