THAILAND — On June 24, 2026, the RPOA-IUU Secretariat took center stage as a key expert presenter at the prestigious CAPFISH Regional Summer Academy: Southeast Asia. Represented by Yudhistira Rizky Abdillah, the Secretariat showcased the power of cross-border collaboration in securing sustainable fisheries and fortifying maritime boundaries across the region
Empowering the Region to Combat IUU Fishing
The Capacity-building Project to Progress the Implementation of International Instruments to Combat IUU Fishing (CAPFISH) is a global initiative dedicated to equipping developing nations with the knowledge and international tools required to eradicate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This year’s event in Bangkok marked the fourth iteration of the regional capacity-building program, focusing specifically on the unique maritime challenges of Southeast Asia.
Hosted by the World Maritime University (WMU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Korea and the Korea Maritime Institute, the two-week academy (running from June 22 to July 3, 2026) brought together a powerhouse network of maritime actors.
The event featured:
- Leading Global Experts & Facilitators from the WMU, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNODC, PEMSEA, ILO, Global Fishing Watch (GFW), SEAFDEC, and various international Coast Guards.
- Key Regional Participants, including senior officials from fisheries ministries and coast guard agencies across Southeast Asia, alongside representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF).
Spotlight Session: Turning Regional Policy into Concrete Action
During a high-level panel presentation alongside Prof. Francis Neat (WMU) and Ms. Tamara Duran (GFW), the RPOA-IUU Secretariat delivered an impactful presentation titled: “The Roles of the RPOA-IUU in Promoting Regional Cooperation to Combat IUU Fishing.” The session provided an in-depth exploration of the region’s operational blueprint, focusing closely on:
- The Power of Unity: The critical importance of state-to-state cooperation in dismantling illicit fishing networks. Operational Core Elements: A strategic overview of the RPOA-IUU’s mandate, target areas, and its 11 participating member states.
- Trends & Analysis: Current data-driven insights into IUU fishing patterns across regional waters.
- Strengthening Defenses: The Secretariat’s active role in bolstering regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS), developing data-sharing mechanisms, advancing capacity building, and promoting decent working conditions for fishers on board vessels.
- Real-World Enforcement: Live case studies detailing successful cross-border actions against notorious vessels, including the FV Run Zeng, KM. Eka Jaya, and FV Princess Janice-168.
- The Horizon Ahead: Strategic priorities guiding the future of RPOA-IUU.
“The presentation from the RPOA-IUU Secretariat was met with immense enthusiasm from international experts and participants alike. The real-world case studies served as a masterclass in how multi-national coordination can translate into tangible maritime law enforcement.”
Forging Future Partnerships
The impact of the Secretariat’s presentation has already opened doors for expanded regional influence. Recognizing the RPOA-IUU’s practical expertise, the Korea Maritime Institute expressed strong interest in collaborating with and involving the Secretariat in upcoming regional capacity-building and training initiatives.
By actively shaping the dialogue at international forums like the CAPFISH Academy, the RPOA-IUU Secretariat continues to fortify alliances and elevate Southeast Asia’s collective defenses against illegal fishing.
