Regional strategic framework for rehabilitation of fisheries and aquaculture in tsunami affected countries in Asia

The regional strategic framework presented here has been developed in support of recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami waves that originated off the west coast of northern Sumatra on the 26 December 2004 and that caused extensive damage to coastal communities in the region. Estimates of the human cost are just under 300,000 killed (or still missing) with a negative impact on the livelihoods of around five million people. The total cost of recovery for the affected areas could be over $ 11.5 billion. Importantly, the majority of those affected in the coastal communities had livelihoods based on agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, or were employed in associated enterprises. In response to the disaster, a consortium (CONSRN) of key regional agencies was formed with the objective of supporting coordination and harmonization of rehabilitation efforts in fisheries and aquaculture. In particular, it was agreed that activities were to focus on collating and disseminating information, carrying out assessments and supporting partners and governments to build a common vision for post-tsunami rehabilitation of the sector.