The BOBP-IGO is carrying out a review of India’s readiness to implement Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries from policy and legal perspective under the BOBLME-II Project. The study is based on an FAO methodology developed under the NANSEN Programme.

 

To review the preliminary findings from the study, an Expert Meet was organized at the BOBP-IGO HQ from 30-31 May 2024. Eminent experts from India, namely, Dr. P Paul Pandian, former Fishery Development Commissioner of India, Dr. Sunil Mohammed, Chair, Sustainable Seafood Network of India; and Prof. S. Amirthalingam from Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) attended along with Dr, P Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO; Dr. E Vivekanandan, Dr. R. Soundararajan, and Mr R Mukherjee, International consultants of the BOBP-IGO and Ms. Sakshi Venkateswaran, the researcher.

 

At the outset, Dr Krishnan explained the background and scope of the study. He said that FAO has published report on EAF preparedness of Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka which were part of the NANSEN programme. The BOBP-IGO is complementing the effort by doing the study in India under the BOBLME-II project. The study will not only help in achieving the objectives of the BOBLME-II project but will also contribute to the completing the regional picture in respect of EAF readiness. This approach is crucial for implementing effective ecosystem-based management strategies in fisheries, aiming to integrate ecological and human dimensions of resource management.

 

The expert group reviewed over 30 policy and legal documents against a set of filtering questions following FAO methodology. The preliminary results indicate that India has sound basis for moving towards EAF. However, streamlining is required in some aspect such as development of fisheries management plan and targeted research. The expert group also observed the complexity in India due to its federal structure and highlighted the need for alignment of inter-state policies and Union-state policies for better implementation of EAFM. The expert group further noted that there is a strong need for a fisheries law for managing waters beyond territorial limits which can address various emerging challenges in fisheries management in India.