CTC facilitated a training session on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM). Organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with North Sulawesi Province Marine and Fisheries Affairs and Sam Ratulangi University, the session was held in Manado from 11 – 13 September 2019. The session was attended by 24 participants representing academic institutions, local governments and civil society organizations.

As well as introducing participants to EAFM, topics covered during the session included fisheries management approaches that cover threat identification, current management mechanisms and future needs; determining the scope of fisheries management units; identifying fisheries problems and setting priorities; and developing an action plan and setting goals. Over the four days participants deepened their understanding of EAFM concepts, and were able to develop a draft management plan for target fisheries, such as tuna, snapper, and jacks (ikan layang) based on ecosystem-centered approaches.  These draft management plans will serve as an initial step for the overall North Sulawesi Province Fisheries Management Plan.

After the session, one of the trainees said that he felt it had been a comprehensive training session, providing him with new information about EAFM, and allowing for further growth in the management of marine resources in North Sulawesi.