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Key Points

The Food and Agriculture Organization is teaming up with the Bay of Bengal Programme to help regional nations create action plans for small-scale fisheries. A three-day meeting in Chennai will bring together officials from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to develop these roadmaps. The plans aim to address critical issues like fisher rights, working conditions, and sustainable resource management. This effort is crucial for safeguarding millions of livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

Key Points: FAO BOBP-IGO Assist Bay of Bengal Nations Small-Scale Fisheries Plans

  • FAO and BOBP-IGO to help develop national action plans for small-scale fisheries
  • Focus on fisher rights, sea safety, and women's participation in the sector
  • Initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 for Life Below Water
  • Chennai meeting to create frameworks for resilient and sustainable fisheries
2 min read

FAO, Bay of Bengal nations to prepare action plans for small scale fisheries

FAO and BOBP-IGO support India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives in creating national action plans to protect small-scale fisheries and millions of coastal livelihoods.

FAO, Bay of Bengal nations to prepare action plans for small scale fisheries
"“Small-scale fisheries are the backbone of coastal communities, providing food security and livelihoods to millions.” - Dr Lena Maria Westlund, FAO"

Kochi/Chennai, Sep 16

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), will assist India and other Bay of Bengal nations in preparing national action plans to strengthen small-scale fisheries and safeguard millions of livelihoods that depend on them.

A three-day regional capacity-building meet, scheduled in Chennai from September 17 to 19, will set the stage for developing country-specific roadmaps for a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF).

Senior officials and representatives from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives will participate in the event. Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS, will inaugurate the event, which is expected to bring together FAO experts, policymakers, and marine scientists.

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and FAO’s guidelines for securing sustainable small-scale fisheries.

According to BOBP-IGO Director Dr P. Krishnan, the proposed action plans will tackle a range of critical issues, including fisher rights, fair working conditions, sea safety, women’s participation in fisheries, and sustainable management of marine resources.

“This effort could strengthen the future of fishing communities across the Bay of Bengal, ensuring both livelihood security and healthier aquatic food production by harnessing marine and inland resources,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of the move, Dr Lena Maria Westlund, International Fisheries Analyst at FAO, noted: “Small-scale fisheries are the backbone of coastal communities, providing food security and livelihoods to millions. However, the sector is facing significant hurdles due to climate change and rising competition for resources. The discussions and capacity-building activities in Chennai are crucial steps in helping each country develop actionable strategies to safeguard the sector.”

For India, experts from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), and Fishery Survey of India (FSI), along with government fisheries officers and other stakeholders, will contribute to shaping the roadmap.

The Chennai meet is expected to result in a well-defined framework that equips national task forces in each country with the tools and knowledge needed to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable small-scale fisheries for the future.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally some focus on small-scale fisheries! My uncle is a fisherman in Tamil Nadu and they face so many challenges - from weather uncertainties to middlemen exploitation. Hope women's participation gets proper attention too.
M
Michael C
Great to see regional cooperation on sustainable fishing practices. The Bay of Bengal's resources need collective management. Hope the action plans include modern technology adoption for safety and efficiency.
S
Sneha F
While this sounds promising, I hope they involve actual fishermen in these discussions, not just officials and scientists. Ground reality is very different from conference rooms in Chennai.
A
Arjun K
Climate change is hitting our fishermen hard. Unpredictable weather, changing fish patterns - these action plans must address these immediate concerns. Good that FAO is involved with technical expertise.
K
Kavya N
Hope they focus on fair pricing and market access for small fishermen. So much of their income gets eaten by intermediaries. Sustainable fishing is important, but livelihood security comes first! 🎣

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