2024 SCS REX on Fisheries Governance

The South China Sea (SCS), which covers 3.5 million sq.km of the Pacific Ocean, is considered highly important for fisheries and marine ecosystem services. The SCS hosts more than half of the fishing vessels in the world, employing 3.7 million fishers. Researchers have noted that fisheries and marine resources in the SCS have been declining over the years, with catch rates depleted by 70–95% since the 1950s and 66–75% over the last 20 years due to uncontrolled fishing pressures.

From January 16–19, 2024, the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat was invited to Manila, Philippines, to participate in the South China Sea Regional Exchange (REX) on Fisheries Governance. Supported by the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), the event facilitated discussions on the state of South China Sea fisheries and sub-regional management patterns. The dialogue involved CTI-CFF, the ASEAN Secretariat Working Group on Fisheries (ASWGFi), and the Regional Plan of Action to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in Southeast Asia (RPOA-IUU). The exchange aimed to strengthen regional fisheries management collaboration among ASEAN member states bordering the SCS and relevant partner organizations.

CTI-CFF, represented by Mr. Christovel R.S. Rotinsulu, Acting Executive Director of the Regional Secretariat, joined Session 3 on the second day on the topic: “Defining the Priority Needs for South China Sea Fisheries Management: Regional Presentations.” Mr. Rotinsulu presented updates on the CTI-CFF Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) 2.0 and initiatives in the South China Sea/Sulu Sulawesi Seascape.

The SCS REX concluded with a plenary session to identify next steps for creating a regional network comprising government fisheries officers, fisheries managers, scientists, and other key stakeholders. This collaboration is expected to foster new alliances and cooperation in the South China Sea region. The envisioned network aims to address emerging threats and capitalize on opportunities through targeted sub-regional efforts, emphasizing shared sustainability and responsible fisheries management practices in this dynamic maritime landscape.