ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR 2009:

Activity 1: Supporting of deep-sea fisheries resources survey. The data collected during the past years (actual surveys by SEAFDEC and other relevant initiatives in the region) will be systematically managed. The activity in 2009 will continued to support the deep sea fisheries resources survey in the EEZ of the Member Countries (by M.V. SEAFDEC 2 under the cost sharing policy, and/or support other research initiatives). The use of other research vessels that have capacity to work in deeper water will also be encouraged and supported in terms of sampling gears and other research facilities under the project.

Activity 2: Deep-sea ecosystem and impact from fisheries. Reporting and updating information on the deep-sea specimens based on the national research program and M.V. SEAFDEC 2, and from others the deep-sea resources survey in the EEZ of the Member Countries, will be made available. At the same time, collaboration and coordination with other relevant initiatives will be strengthening for exchange of information and expertise on the topic related to deep-sea resources exploration.

Activity 3: Development/improvement of the deep-sea fish sampling gears/technology. According to the results from the actual fishing trial of deep-sea beam trawl and IKMT (Isac-Kid Mid-Water Trawl) onboard M.V. SEAFDEC 2 and based on the recommendations made at the training/workshop on the deep sea fishery resources exploration conducted in the Lingayan Gulf 2008, the Regional Workshop (R/W) on the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) on the methodologies for deep sea fishery exploration and development/improvement of appropriated samplings gears will be included under this program.

Activity 4: HRD Programs on deep-sea research and sampling/eco-system. Human resources development programs will be provided to the Member Countries to encourage them on the initiation of deep-sea resources exploration/utilization in the perspective of the international concerns on the ecosystem-based approach for the management of deep-sea fisheries. A regional workshop on the identification of deep-sea fishes will be conducted under this program.

Activity 5: Information Dissemination SOP on deep-sea resources survey, field guide book and/or poster (color) of the deep-sea fish in the Southeast Asian Region will be published and introduced to the Member Countries for their future national research survey programs/activities. A regional network for deep sea fisheries is envisaged for strengthen coordination and collaboration among the Member Countries and other relevant initiatives.