SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
SEAFDEC participated in the 20th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), taking place from 24 November to 5 December 2025 at the Silkroad Samarkand Expo Center in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With the attendance led by Secretary-General, Ms. Sampan Panjarat, together with Ms. Pattaratjit Kaewnuratchadasorn, Senior Policy Officer; Mr. Fumiya Takahashi, Assistant of the Japanese Trust Fund Program; and Ms. Ni Komang Suryati, Senior Researcher of SEAFDEC/IFRDMD.
On the opening day, 24 November 2025, SEAFDEC organized a side event titled “Sustainable Utilization of Commercially-exploited Aquatic Species (CEAS) in Southeast Asia.” The event highlighted regional initiatives to ensure the sustainable management of key aquatic species, particularly sharks, rays, and tropical eels that are of critical importance to both conservation and trade within the region.
During the event, the Secretary-General, Ms. Sampan Panjarat delivered a presentation outlining the progress and achievements of Southeast Asian countries in promoting the sustainable utilization of CEAS. Her presentation underscored the collaborative roles played by SEAFDEC and partner organizations in strengthening scientific knowledge, management frameworks, and regional cooperation.
A second presentation, co-presented by Mr. Fumiya Takahashi and Ms. Ni Komang Suryati, focused on ongoing initiatives for the sustainable utilization of tropical eels, emphasizing research and capacity-building efforts.
In closing remarks, the Secretary-General reiterated SEAFDEC’s commitment to supporting its Member Countries. As the organization approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, she emphasized SEAFDEC’s continued dedication to enhancing capacity, advancing evidence-based fisheries management, and ensuring that Southeast Asian countries remain fully prepared to address emerging global challenges.
CITES is a multilateral agreement among governments aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. During CITES CoP20, delegates will review 11 proposals related to marine species, which may result in amendments to the CITES Appendices governing the regulation and protection of species in international trade.
