The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have joined hands to address food security and alleviate poverty in rural areas in the region. Member-countries of SEAFDEC and ASEAN are now paving the way for the implementation of the Integrated Regional Aquaculture Program (IRAP), the flagship aquaculture component of the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Special Five-Year Program. SEAFDEC is a treaty organization founded in 1967 to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia. Present members of the organization are the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Brunei Darussalam.

SEAFDEC, ASEAN bond to guarantee food security. (2002, October 29). Manila Bulletin, p. E-3.