The SEAFDEC/UNEP/GEF South China Sea Fisheries Refugia Initiative participated in the 18^th Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) annual consultative meeting convened by IOC and LME:LEARN in Paris from 5-8 December. The SEAFDEC initiative contributed to the work of the LME governance and information and data management working groups. The fisheries refugia initiative was also showcased during a governance session dedicated to spatial planning for LME management.

Given the limited integration of the work of fisheries and environment ministries in Southeast Asia and many other parts of the world, the establishment and operation of the regional system of fisheries refugia provides an opportunity to learn how to integrate fisheries and coastal habitat management. It is anticipated that the experience gained in the South China Sea region through this initiative will be applied in other marine areas where over-fishing and the use of inappropriate fishing gear are significant impediments to more sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the use of coastal habitats. To help share best practices and lessons learned a Facebook page for the initiative has been set-up at  https://www.facebook.com/fisheriesrefugia/. Please like our Facebook page to receive regular updates on project progress and innovations.