Planning for fisheries development in East Timor

摘要

This paper outlines strategies and priorities for fisheries development over the medium term. These will focus on bridging the country's potential fishing zone into the national marketing network, developing viable offshore fisheries, establishing aquaculture enterprises, introducing seafood safety standards and facilitating seafood exports. An estimated loss of US$20 million per annum from illegal fishing can be reduced with proper planning, with potential earnings from fishing licences of up to US$16 million over the next few years. It is envisaged that by 2005 fish production will reach more than 8000 kg/year with per capita consumption of 10 kg/year. Fish exports will generate US$5 million and fishing licences US$15 million, which in turn will contribute 5% to the country's GDP. Short-term and mid-term planning are in place to facilitate the development of the fisheries sector so that it contributes to economic growth, incomes, employment and export earnings. Granting fishing licences, coupled with the provision of fishing equipment, will help to spur the development of fisheries in East Timor. External assistance at this stage should be channeled towards developing the regulatory and legal framework for inshore fisheries management and investment in offshore fishing. Enforcing fishing regulations through partnerships between government, communities and private operators (co-management arrangements) and recognition of user rights for coastal communities have proven effective in many Asian—Pacific countries. External assistance can also be directed towards rehabilitating the fishing harbor at Hera port, promoting further inland aquaculture and improving post-harvest handling and processing.