We mourn the demise of Dr. Yugraj Singh Yadava, who dedicated his entire professional life to the cause of sustainable development and management of marine and coastal fisheries.

Dr. Y.S. Yadava hailed from humble beginnings in New Delhi, India and through his unwavering commitment and tireless work, rose to remarkable heights in his professional career. He acquired his Master's degree in Zoology from Kanpur University, Uttar Pradesh, 1975; PhD from Guwahati University, Assam in 1989. For his doctoral research, he delved into the realm of Fisheries Management – a subject that would define his illustrious career.

Over the course of four decades, Dr. Yadava held various prestigious positions. He started his career as a Scientist at ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI); then moved on to become the Fisheries Development Commissioner, Government of India. As the BOBP Coordinator during 2000 to 2003, he played a pivotal role in transforming the Bay of Bengal Programme of the FAO into an Inter-Governmental Organisation. He served as the first Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority of India (CAA). Dr. Yadava also contributed his expertise to various committees established by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India for fisheries management in India.

Dr. Yadava dedicated considerable efforts to promoting the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in the Bay of Bengal region. Firmly believing in the efficacy of community-based fisheries management, he tirelessly worked towards establishing and advancing this approach in South and Southeast Asia. He made significant contribution to enhancing the safety and security of small-scale fishers and their occupational safety – an often-overlooked aspect of fisheries management. Throughout his career, he strived to include safety as an integral part of fisheries management and advocated for improved social security measures for fishers.

The departure of Dr. Yugraj Singh Yadava to heavenly abode is mourned by everyone from fishers to scientists to policymakers from Asia and beyond. His enormous influence on the policy makers in the region serves as a testament to the extraordinary dedication, passion, and an unyielding commitment to a cause.