On 4 May 2026, the fourth cohort of the Fisheries Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Training Course officially conducted in Nha Trang, Viet Nam, bringing together fisheries officers from RPOA-IUU participating countries and experts from the regional partner organizations. The training course was organized as part of Australia’s ongoing Combatting IUU Fishing Program and aims to enhance regional fisheries officers’ capacities in implementing effective Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance measures to address IUU fishing challenges across Southeast Asia. The RPOA-IUU Secretariat attended the opening ceremony and delivered opening remarks during the event.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Australian Government, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), SEAFDEC, Nha Trang University, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance of Viet Nam, and fisheries officers from RPOA-IUU participating countries. During the opening remarks, the RPOA-IUU Secretariat expressed sincere appreciation to the Australian Government for its continued support in organizing the training annually since 2023, as well as to all stakeholders contributing to the implementation of the program.
The RPOA-IUU Secretariat also congratulated all selected participants who had successfully passed a rigorous assessment and selection process. Appreciation was further extended to the RPOA-IUU Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Sub-regional Groups for their contribution in the participant selection process, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation among sub-regional groups.
In the remarks, the Secretariat highlighted that the training course serves as an important platform for fisheries officers to enhance their understanding of MCS best practices tailored to the regional context. The training not only strengthens operational enforcement capacities at sea, but also promotes networking and collaboration among fisheries officers across the region. The course curriculum includes modules related to sustainable fisheries management, occupational health and safety, gender considerations in fisheries enforcement, and practical approaches to conducting safe and sustainable enforcement activities.
Furthermore, the Secretariat emphasized that the Fisheries MCS Training Course aligns closely with the core elements of the RPOA-IUU, including coastal and flag state responsibilities, implementation of port state measures, and strengthening MCS measures. The course is expected to significantly contribute to reinforcing regional collaboration in addressing the persistent challenges of IUU fishing in shared oceans.
The RPOA-IUU Secretariat also encouraged participating countries to actively engage in upcoming regional capacity-building initiatives, including future workshops on decent working conditions in the fisheries sector and other emerging regional priorities.
