CTI-CFF Sat on Panel on Innovations for Sustainability in World Ocean Conference 2022

CTI-CFF participated in a panel at the World Ocean Conference 2022 titled “Fisheries: Innovations to Close the Sustainability Gap,” organized by The Economist in Singapore on 29 November 2022. Moderated by Dominic Ziegler, Senior Asia Correspondent for The Economist, the session featured speakers from four respected organizations: Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Vice President of Oceana (Philippines); Minako Iue, Chief Executive and Chair of Sailors for the Sea (Japan); Essam Yassin Mohammed, Interim Director-General of WorldFish and Acting Senior Director of Aquatic Food Systems, CGIAR; and Dr. Mohd. Kushairi bin Mohd. Rajuddin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat.

The session focused on the Asia-Pacific region, the largest producer of fish in the world. Fisheries in the region range from small-scale operations to large enterprises, some of which have caused significant damage to ocean health through overfishing and other harmful practices. However, many stakeholders recognize the importance of sustainable growth and collaborate closely with local fishing communities.

Each speaker highlighted innovative approaches that enable sustainable practices, the adaptation of fisheries to new technologies, and best practices for fish stock management. CTI-CFF presented on the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in promoting sustainable fisheries. Dr. Kushairi discussed how CTI-CFF collaborates with the MPA Working Group to establish new MPAs and enhance management using the Coral Triangle Marine Protected Area System (CTMPAS).