June 11, 2026

 

ASEAN regional workshop for strengthening aquaculture, fisheries held in Indonesia

 

In commemoration of World Oceans Day 2026 on June 8, the government of Norway and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), a leading think tank in Indonesia, have organised in Jakarta an ASEAN Regional Workshop on "Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries" in ASEAN.

 

Norway aims to help ASEAN in developing the blue economy. In order to fulfil its commitment, the country officially launched the Norway–ASEAN Collaboration on Development of Blue Economy in ASEAN in 2024.

 

The workshop, which was held in Le Meridien Hotel in Jakarta, was part of Norway's initiative on blue economy in ASEAN.

 

"It was an important first step in establishing a regional collaboration platform aimed at enhancing awareness among ASEAN Member States on the current status, policy gaps, and opportunities for cooperation in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development," the CSEAS said in a press release. "The initiative also seeks to strengthen regional networks and foster collaboration on sustainable aquaculture by engaging key stakeholders across the region, including governments, academics, researchers, and development partners."

 

Speaking on the Norway's ocean strategy, Ambassaodor of Norway to ASEAN Mariann Ruud Hagen said that her country was fully committed to aquaculture and fisheries in ASEAN.

 

"For Norway, sustainable ocean management and the development of a resilient blue economy are key priorities in our development policies," Hagen said. "As a nation with a long maritime tradition, we firmly believe that long-term economic prosperity from the ocean must go hand in hand with ecosystem protection. Our engagement is guided by our national Ocean Strategy and our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Life Below Water."

 

In his speech,Dr. Thorjørn Larssen, Research Director of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), highlighted Norway's commitment to supporting sustainable aquaculture development in the region.

 

"ASEAN is home to one of the world's most dynamic aquaculture sectors," Larsen said. "This project provides an important platform for Norway and ASEAN member states to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. Through stronger collaboration, we can contribute to more resilient and sustainable aquaculture systems across the region."

 

Another speaker, Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, a director from the ASEAN Economic Community Department (AEC), said that supporting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries was a must for ASEAN's Blue Economy agenda.

 

"The Blue Economy is both an engine of growth and a foundation for resilience in ASEAN, supporting Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture is one of the blue priority sectors within ASEAN's Blue Economy agenda," Wanichkorn said. "Strengthening regional cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange in these sectors will be essential to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan."

 

Dr. Arisman, Executive Director of the CSEAS, highlighted the importance of aquaculture in our lives.

 

"Aquaculture plays a critical role in food security, livelihoods, and economic growth across ASEAN," Arisman said. "As the largest aquaculture producer in ASEAN and the second-largest globally, Indonesia recognises the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and capacity to ensure the sector remains sustainable and resilient. Through this collaboration, we aim to support knowledge sharing, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy for the region,"

 

The Norway–ASEAN Collaboration on Development of Blue Economy in ASEAN project will be implemented over two years, from 2025 to 2027, by the NIVA in collaboration with the CSEAS Indonesia.

 

The launch of the project officially marks the commencement of a series of activities aimed at strengthening regional capacity, enhancing collaboration, and supporting the development of sustainable policies and practices in ASEAN's blue economy sector.

 

Through this initiative, ASEAN and Norway are expected to further strengthen their partnership in advancing a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive blue economy, in line with regional and global sustainable development agendas.

 

- Eurasia Review