MCD works in partnership with SALT was presented at the 4^th session – Technology & Traceability at the regional “Asia Pacific FIP Community of Practice Workshop” (Fisheries Improvement Program).

The traceability session contained three main presentations about traceability process from ABALOBI ICT4Fisheries, Marine Stewardship Council and MCD with a participation of guest speakers from WWF-India, WWF-US and WWF-Vietnam.

The FIP Community is a group with whom share the same concern in improvement of fisheries practices around the world. The workshop was organized by the FIP Community in Asia Pacific region to create learning opportunities from success pilots and models for better fisheries practices in the future. It is a forum for FIP stakeholders across the region to connect and strengthen the network with others. There are civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, government, private sector, fishers, research and scientific institutions participated in the workshop.

30 speakers shared their experiences in 10 different topics related to building sustainable and responsible fisheries with participation of all stakeholders. From  Vietnam, Ms. Nguyen Thu Hue, on behalf of MCD, gave a presentation on “The lesson learnt from practicing eCDT in tuna fisheries in Vietnam contributing to the Roadmap of national eCDT framework” in session 4, held in November 11^th 2021.

Photo 1. Ms. Nguyen Thu Hue (Founder and Director of MCD) was giving a presentation on the eCDT process in Vietnam

As in Vietnam, tuna products are a crucial export product, which reached 96 nations and territories across the world. In order to meet such complex international market standards as well as combat global illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, advancing seafood traceability and promoting sustainable fisheries management are crucial issues for the fisheries sector in Vietnam. Tackling the problems, the eCDT (electronic catch documentation and traceability) system is a relatively new concept for the fishery sectors not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia.

MCD presentation shared with a wider international audience (i) results of practical demonstration of eCDT in which MCD and partners implemented and promoted in tuna fisheries in Binh Dinh, (ii) gaps and lessons learned of eCDT in Vietnam that MCD compiled, and (iii) proposed recommendations for a road map to develop a National Technical Guidance for eCDT system in Vietnam, and how a non state actor like MCD maintained the participation and engagement of stakeholders. Key message from MCD emphasized the importance of eCDT in supporting sustainable and traceable fisheries and combating IUU. However, effective implementation requires considerable effort from all actors. Thus, it is necessary to share these experiences with other countries in the region tackling similar problems to improve fisheries management in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Photo 2. Presenters and guest speakers were on the discussion

Key message from MCD emphasized the importance of eCDT in supporting sustainable and traceable fisheries and combating IUU. However, effective implementation requires considerable effort from all actors. Thus, it is necessary to share these experiences with other countries in the region tackling similar problems to improve fisheries management in the Asia-Pacific Region.